WENDY Mackie has resigned as Stalybridge Celtic’s chief executive and from the board of directors at Bower Fold citing differences with Rob Gorski, chairman and majority shareholder.
“Rob and I have different styles of leadership and different ways of working,” she explained.
“I think Rob needs someone to work alongside him in harmony and have more time than I am able to give him for his vision for the club.”
Wendy, who was appointed to the post in October 2018, added the parting had been amicable saying she will continue to support the club, the directors and help with fundraising.
“It is just I will not be involved in day-to-day running of the club,” explained the mother of three who runs Stalybridge education provider Works4U.
Wendy added she had enjoyed her time as chief executive, though it had been a challenging period with the club spending almost two years battling the effects of Covid-19.
She said: “I would have liked to have seen us do more, but I am glad to see where we are.
“When I arrived, there were a lot of financial difficulties, but we have managed to keep the club going for three years.
“I wish the club every success and will continue to support it. There has been nothing better than seeing the fans enjoy it.”
Wendy added it is tough running a non-league club as everybody is a volunteer.
“I have tried to give it as much time as possible, but by resigning I have given Rob the chance to find someone else with more time than I have as I am really busy with my business,” she continued.
Wendy will continue to operate Bower Fold Events as she has a 25-year lease for the former Indian restaurant and pays rent to the football club, though it will no longer be available to use as a social club on matchdays.
Bower Fold Events is also a key part of the Works4U programme where students study and do practical work in hospitality.
A club statement read: “It is with regret Stalybridge Celtic can announce that Wendy Mackie has tendered her resignation from the board of directors and that her resignation has been accepted.
“Wendy was a valuable member of the board and shall be missed. We wish her every success in both her existing and future ventures.
“Consequently, Bower Fold Events will not be open to fans. Supporters are invited and encouraged to use our sponsors’ lounge as our social club.
“A further announcement with regard to logistics and practicalities will be made in due course.
“We thank you all for your understanding and cooperation and hope to see you in the lounge.”
Mr Gorski added: “Wendy resigned. It was her decision. The board accepted it, but the biggest disappointment is that the fans have suffered.
“Yes, it’s cost the club money having to use the sponsor’s lounge as the social club, and yes, the club received a reprimand from the league despite people like Gordon Greenwood and Steve Tate running around like headless chickens trying to ensure that the fans still had drink and food, but it’s the fans who I feel sorry for. We intend to find solutions as quickly as possible to ensure that the fans are inconvenienced as little as possible.”