Nick Owen, the respected and immensely popular Chairman of Luton Town Football Club, has issued a statement to say that after long personal deliberation and with careful consideration, he has taken the decision to stand down from his role.
For nine eventful and hugely memorable years, Nick has represented the 2020 consortium that has transformed a Club perilously close to extinction, into the present LTFC that is well on the way to stability and success.
Nick, who will become a Vice President of the Club, said: "I have taken this decision with a heavy heart, because of my love of LTFC, and have relished being part of the wider team since 2008.
"However, I have a significant number of other commitments, with both my primary employer, the BBC, and other organisations. All of these demand long travel and unpredictable schedules and consequently I feel that I am unable to dedicate the time and effort that I feel the role now deserves."
Nick was invited to be the public face of the newly formed 2020 team back in 2008, as apart from Gary Sweet, most members of the new Board were unfamiliar faces to fans.
Associate Director Stephen Browne recalls Nick was vital to the creation of a credible and trusted image.
"Due to a potential conflict of interest with his current employer, Nick was unable to take a financial or decision-making interest," says Stephen. "However, he was granted approval to be the named Chairman of the Club and so became the figurehead supporters could, and indeed have, rallied behind."
Gary Sweet states that, personally, he has been immensely fortunate to be able to run the Club for the past nine years with a fantastic loyal and dedicated team.
"Everyone has executed their role with admirable dedication and tireless passion," says the Hatters' Chief Executive. "Nick has been a wonderful ambassador for us during that time and he leaves with our very best wishes and profound gratitude. And, of course, he will continue to be a familiar face both here, at Kenilworth Road, and at Power Court."
Gary goes on to say the Board will take its time to appoint a new Chairman, as the Club now faces many different and difficult challenges as it begins to implement the move to its proposed new home and to ensure its roots within the community grow ever stronger.
He adds: "We require our next chairman to help us through the next phase of our journey on the sometimes rocky road to success on and off the field."
*You will be able to read more of Nick Owen's thoughts on his time as Hatters chairman in his final From The Boardroom notes in Saturday's newly-renamed matchday programme 'This Is Our Town'!