Hargraves to leave Brentford

Last updated : 14 May 2003 By
Brentford Managing Director Gary Hargraves has confirmed to the official website, BrentfordFC, that he is to leave the football club at the end of this month (May).

Brentford Football Club Chairman Eddie Rogers will issue an official statement from the Club tomorrow, Thursday.


Gary Hargraves' statement in full:

"I have today announced my departure from Brentford Football Club. It is almost five years since I became Managing Director and it is now time for me to move on. I want to stress that this is entirely my own decision and one I have based almost entirely on the impressive way that the New Board members and Chairman have conducted themselves since our previous chairman resigned. I must emphasise that my departure is in no way connected to the New Board set up. In fact it was made very clear that they would like me to stay, however I am now at a point where I want to pursue other opportunities.

I would like to thank all the fans for their support but in particular those that I have had direct contact with through the corporate side of the business. There are too many of you to name personally but I hope you all know who you are. Last year was the Club’s most successful financial year to date from a commercial point of view, but Brentford still needs your support. With Bees United having a greater presence on the Board the day is approaching when Brentford FC really does become the Fans Club.

I also want to thank all the staff at the Club for their support and for making my job so enjoyable over the past few years. I am not actually leaving until the end of May so I hope to be able to bid most of you farewell but I will be back, as I intend to carry on supporting the Club I have given so much of my time and effort. I am extremely confident that the Club is in good hands and I’m sure that with the fans continued support and that of the Local Authority, a new stadium at Lionel Road will become a reality.

Finally I want to thank Ron Noades for giving me the opportunity to come to Brentford in the first place and for his continued support during my time here. I would also like to thank my fellow directors for their support and I wish everyone involved with Brentford FC every success in the future".

Gary Hargraves