Chief Executive Alan Hardy, the 30 year stalwart of Boundary Park, has stepped down from the Latics' board due to health reasons. He made the decision some time ago but decided to wait until the end of the season before making the announcement. Mr Hardy underwent major surgery in December 2009, and has recently had further medical treatment. The board, consisting of Ian Hill, Barry Owen and chairman Simon Corney, will continue to function without a replacement.
Mr Hardy said, “Quite a few football clubs have chief executives that are not members of the board. With this new arrangement, the directors still have the option to invite me to board meetings. Relinquishing the responsibilities of a company directory will reduce some of the strain. It has been a difficult decision to make. As soon as the season finished I spoke to Simon, Ian and Barry.”
“There is never a good time to step down from the board, but I wanted to make sure we finished the season having retained our npower League One status before I made the announcement. It is fair to say that my health has not been 100% over the past 18 months and I have to do what is best for me and my family.”
“My affection for the club is still as strong as ever and I remain a Latics fan through and through. I will still be attending as many games as possible. However, I have been told to reduce my stress levels, and being a Latics supporter that will not be easy to do!”
Simon Corney commented, “I know I speak on behalf of my previous partners when I say that without Alan’s help over the last seven years, we would have found the task of running the club close to impossible. He has been an important member of the board and in the early years he held our hand and pointed us in the right direction, putting in hours that no-one would ever believe. It is no secret that Alan does most of the day-to-day running of the club and it is, and has been, a very well run club. At any time Alan could have chosen to move to a bigger club, but consistently remained at the helm of Latics, through thick and thin, such is his devotion. I know that we will still have him around for some time yet and I wish Alan all the best in his latest battle.”