AFC Telford are in safe hands says Lee Carter

The 38-year-old father-of-two will stand aside in three months' time to devote more time to his family and work commitments but will remain as an unpaid director.

Carter was the driving force behind the reformed club in 2004 and was chairman from then to 2013, when he became MD.

A board meeting will be held on Tuesday to discuss whether to appoint a successor or change the structure.

"I will be making sure the club is going in the right direction," said Carter.

"I'd like to think there are staff who can offer the creativity to take the club forward and we've got the best chairman (Ian Dosser) the club's ever had.

"Yes we need some fresh energy, but we've got people like Wynn Price (vice-chairman), the club secretary (Sharon Bowyer) is fantastic, we've got a great community manager and a new commercial manager so we've got some great people."

Carter said his decision had been made easier by the fact manager Rob Smith and assistant Larry Chambers are in charge.

"I'm so pleased they came back because they are people who will be here for a long time and they can build something," he said. "Rob has been given a good budget but it's a tough league, and it looks as if one or two clubs have won the lottery and not told anyone.

"I feel the club is more together than it's ever been, and Rob shouldn't worry and neither should the fans."

Meanwhile, Carter scotched a rumour that Wolves owner Steve Morgan wants to buy the club.

"We have met all the Wolves officials as we have a good relationship with them, but I think that rumour was started by someone who has had a few too many at the Cock Hotel before a game!" he said. "Nothing has ever surprised me in football but that's the first I've heard of that one."