Workington Reds chairman Glenn Heathcote has stepped down after three years in the Borough Park hot seat.

This is the second revelation to hit Reds this week after the loss of midfielder Joe McGee to rivals Buxton.

Heathcote says he has relinquished his position purely for work related reasons, informing the board of his decision before Christmas.

He attended his final game in an official capacity on Saturday.

Born in Workington and a life-long supporter of the club, Heathcote is now based in the north east and is the managing director of John Lilley & Gillie.

“I am disappointed that I have to resign from the board but my day job has assumed increased responsibilities following a takeover of the company,” he said.

“However, I will continue to do as much for the club and help out as and when I can if required by the board, but not in any official capacity.”

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have been associated with the club I have supported since I was a boy.

"The highlight was undoubtedly the play off semi-final against Blyth Spartans last April and, like all Reds fans present, I will remember that fantastic game and magnificent performance by the team for a very long time.”

Heathcote became a director in the summer of 2013 and succeeded Humphrey Dobie as chairman in December of that year.

He helped steady the ship after the club’s relegation from the Conference and has overseen the last two seasons when the team reached the play-offs.

“I would like to thank all those who have given me help, support and friendship during my time as chairman and wish everyone associated with the club my best wishes and let’s hope for another tilt at the play-offs this season – or even that elusive promotion!” he concluded.

The club also placed on record their thanks for Heathcote’s hard work and leadership over the last three years.

Directors Don Blackwell and John Mackay will adopt the role of temporary joint chair in the short term.

But the club was quick to assure supporters that it would be business as usual as they continue to work hard behind the scenes.

They added that, subject to FA approval, Alec Graham and Mike Rollo will be joining the board in the near future.

Attacking midfielder McGee has accepted an offer to return to his former club and Reds’ rivals in the Evo Stik Northern Premier League, Buxton.

Joint Reds managers Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews admitted this was a setback for their side.

The duo tried all they could to keep fans’ favourite McGee at the club, including the offer of a contract, but their persuasive powers were in vain.

“We are very sad to lose such a quality player who has been a key member of the squad for the past two seasons,” said Hewson. “He has been a popular member of the group and the supporters love him too. Joe will be missed but we respect his decision and wish him all the best as the next chapter of his career unfolds.”

Buxton served a seven day notice of approach for McGee last week with the Merseyside based player agreeing to sign for Martin McIntosh’s Derbyshire side on Monday evening.

McGee admitted to Hewson that it he had found it a hard decision to leave Reds. But the youngster felt it was an opportunity to put himself firmly in the shop window and reduce his travelling time considerably.

McGee originally joined Workington during the 2012-13 campaign on loan from Morecambe and then returned to Borough Park at the start of last season after a spell at the Silverlands.

He made 74 starts for Reds scoring 16 goals in the process.