AFC Telford managing director Lee Carter to step down

It is understood that Mr Carter, who led the charge to reform Telford after the original club folded in 2004, took the decision so he could devote more time to his work as a councillor and spend more time with his family.

The 38-year-old will continue as a unpaid director of the club.

The news comes after the club secured their place in the National League North for next season, finishing the season in 18th place.

Mr Carter said: "It is a major decision for me because it is almost as if my working life has been nothing else.

"To be honest I've contemplated this decision for the last 12 months and changed my mind a couple of times.

"There was never a good time to announce it, but I've done it now as it is imperative we let the summer be dominated by good news and positive things about the future of the club. It's out there now and we can quickly move on and get on with the business in hand. The club is and always will be the most important thing.''

Mr Carter had been head of the former Telford United FC supporters' trust when the old club collapsed with debts of £6.5 million at the end of the 2003/4 season.

He was one of the leading figures in a fan-led reformation of the club under the new name AFC Telford United, and became the new club's first chairman. He held that position until 2013, when he became managing director.

AFC Telford chairman Ian Dosser said: "We thank Lee for his huge commitment, passion and hard work he has devoted to the club over 12 years and we are delighted that he has agreed to stay on the club board and help us going forward."

Luke Fearnall, chairman of the AFC Telford United Supporters Trust, paid tribute to Mr Carter, saying he had played a huge role in rebuilding the club following its collapse under previous chairman Andy Shaw.

"He has been a fantastic servant of the club for over 12 years," he said.

"It's a very sad thing for us. We understand Lee's wishes, and we wish him well.

"I think if it had not been for Lee's involvement, it would be a very different Telford United to what we have today, I don't think it would be on anything like the same scale."

Ian Dosser, the club chairman said: ''We thank Lee for his huge commitment, passion and hard work he has devoted to the club over 12 years and we are delighted that he has agreed to stay on the club board and help us going forward.''