Notts County chairman Ray Trew has written an open letter to fans announcing his decision to put the club up for sale.
Trew confirmed he will step down as chairman due to his family being subjected to ‘foul, mindless abuse’ in recent weeks by fans irate at the club’s form.
With relations between supporters and the club’s hierarchy strained, Trew addressed his reasons to leave.
“It is with very mixed emotions that I announce the end of my tenure as Chairman of Notts County Football Club, as I put the club up for sale, having reevaluated my position in light of recent events,” Trew’s letter read.
“I must start by stressing that this is not me backing away from a challenge, I do not do that and, indeed, if I’d have wanted to I would have done so some time ago because it has been a difficult journey at times.
“However, when my family are subjected to kind of foul, mindless abuse that they have been in recent days, both in person and courtesy of the oh so brave keyboard warriors, regardless of whether this is just the minority ruining it for the larger supporter base, I have to make changes.
The Magpies have sunk into League Two’s quagmire this season, failing to record successive victories since last September and lie 16th in the table. Fan have already turned on recently appointed manager Jamie Fullarton, whose slip on the touchline during the home match against Leyton Orient drew the loudest cheers of the night.
Trew continued: “Whilst I have a somewhat bad taste in my mouth from the vitriol spouted by some, I do not walk away lingering on any negativity but instead will take with me the many happy memories that I have accrued from my time at Meadow Lane.
“The promotion winning season that kicked everything off of course, that amazing trip to Juventus, cup games against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Sunderland, our fantastic gala banquet and the pioneering Bench initiative are just some that stand out from my six years at Notts and each holds a special place in my memory that can never be tarnished.
“So as I say my final goodbye, I would like to thank the core of true fans who have pulled together to back this great club and give their all in trying to move us forwards.
“As Notts County prepares for the next chapter in its long and illustrious career, I wish them nothing but luck and hope that from here on it is all onwards and upwards. Ray Trew.”
County have seen ten managers take the reins at Meadow Lane during Trew’s six year tenure, that began when the recruitment specialist bought the club for £1.
