MARGATE Football Club's Keith Piper is to stand down from his roles as club chairman and chief negotiator for the proposed stadium development.

In a letter to the board, Mr Piper confirmed that his reasons resulted directly from local Press reports.

It was said they incorrectly linked a private business dispute with his voluntary work at the football club, bringing unfair and unacceptable pressure on Mr Piper's family.

There was concern that this in turn might have an affect on the club's negotiations with Thanet District Council for the proposed stadium.

Club directors, having considered the contents of Mr Piper's letter, accepted his reasons for wishing to stand down. The club has appointed Jim Parmenter, previously the vice- chairman, to succeed him.

Mr Parmenter commented: "It is a great shame that a local newspaper has chosen to link Keith's business dispute, which occurred eight years ago, with his work at the football club because it is entirely unrelated.

"Keith has been instrumental in the rapid progress the club has made over the past four years. I would like to pay tribute to his super-human efforts on the club's behalf.

"It has now fallen to me to ensure that what has been started is successfully concluded in the near future. This is a crucial time in the football club's history and I call upon all supporters, friends and members to work together to achieve our aims."