Albion Rovers chairman resigns from post with "heavy heart"

Albion Rovers have announced Ian Benton has resigned as club chairman.

Mr Benton had been a fabric of the club for the past 15 years, holding various positions during his time at Cliftonhill.

He took over as chairman in February 2020 when Eddie Hagerty stepped down from the role and he was at the helm during the toughest moments in the club's history, negotiating the club's way through the pandemic and overseeing the club's relegation from the SPFL to the Lowland League last season.

Mr Benton also had to contend with a takeover attempt from a consortium looking to rebrand the club 'Shamrock Rovers Coatbridge' last summer, which was kicked out by the board of directors.

He departs due to "personal reasons" with the club sitting 12th in the Lowland League under manager Sandy Clark, having played fewer games than most of their rivals.

There has been no news yet on when a successor will be appointed or who will step in on an interim basis.

A statement from Mr Benton read: "It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that I have decided to resign as chairman of Albion Rovers FC with immediate effect, owing to personal reasons.

“This isn’t a decision I have taken lightly and I have been proud to serve as chairman, and as a director of this great football club.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the many fantastic, committed people I have met and worked alongside during my time here.

“With Sandy Clark at the helm, I truly believe the building blocks are in place for a successful future under his stewardship and I wish him and the playing staff the best of luck for the future.

“I must also place on record my thanks to football secretary Colin Woodward for his immense work behind the scenes, and to our club