Chris Lakey Lowestoft chairman Geoff Price has sensationally quit the club - just weeks after the Trawler Boys enjoyed the biggest day in their history. Price was at the helm as Lowestoft - with the backing of some 15,000 fans - reached the FA Vase final at Wembley last month, but says he has been forced out because of a vendetta against him by some of those very supporters.

Chris Lakey

Lowestoft chairman Geoff Price has sensationally quit the club - just weeks after the Trawler Boys enjoyed the biggest day in their history.

Price was at the helm as Lowestoft - with the backing of some 15,000 fans - reached the FA Vase final at Wembley last month, but says he has been forced out because of a vendetta against him by some of those very supporters.

“Regrettably, the club has issues relating to certain banned supporters/members and these people have attempted to interfere with my business and have impacted heavily on my own personal life in ways that have become unacceptable,” said Price in a statement released yesterday.

“Primarily this is what has forced my resignation.

“It is not a decision that was taken lightly, but one which was taken for the best interest of both the club and myself.”

Price declined to elaborate on his statement yesterday, saying only: “It is a personal matter and I don't wish to make any further comment at this stage.”

Price, who is in the bathroom and kitchen fitting business, had been chairman at Crown Meadow since September last year, when he took over from Gary Bennett, who had helped rescue the club from the edge of bankruptcy, with debts reportedly approaching £95,000.

The decks have now been cleared, and although Lowestoft missed out on the Wembley silverware - losing 2-1 to Kirkham & Wesham - the future appears to be rosy, with plans to create a player development centre, upgrade the ground and move the club up to the Ryman League.

“I leave the club in a financially sound position, with no long-term debts,” Price added in his statement.

“All overdrafts have been cleared and accounts now possess a sufficient balance to ensure the long-term stability of the club, something which was not the case when I took on my role as chairman.

“I have been asked to stay on behind the scenes until a replacement has been found, and it is my intention to honour all obligations made until this time. The management committee has been informed that I will be available from time to time to give them any future advice regarding the financial running of the club.

“I leave the club with many happy memories and am proud to have been involved in its running.

“It is my intention to remain involved in the short-term behind the scenes and to continue to support the club, both as a supporter, and financially through sponsorship in the coming year.

“I would like to thank all those involved in bringing me into the club and for their support during my time as chairman, and wish the club every success in the future.”