MOTHERWELL chairman Brian McCafferty is to step down from his role at the end of the week. McCafferty has been the 'Well Society’s representative on the club’s board of directors for the last three years but will now be replaced by another member of the supporters trust.

The 68 year-old will step down as club chairman following Saturday’s game against Hearts and will leave the 'Well Society board once his replacement is voted on next month.

He said: “After three years, I feel the time is right to step down and allow someone else the chance to take my place on the ‘Well Society board, which is something the rules try to facilitate.

“I will of course be stepping down from the Motherwell board too as a consequence and felt fan ownership week, which sees us link up with the Foundation of Hearts for Saturday’s game at Fir Park, would be a fitting way to end. I would like to thank all ‘Well Society board members, past and present, and other volunteers for their help, sacrifices and dedication over the past three years.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Motherwell FC for their support and also both John Boyle and Les Hutchison for making community ownership possible and keeping the prospect alive during some difficult times for the club last year.

“All ‘Well Society members have helped save the club from serious financial difficulty and/or foreign ownership and I hope other Motherwell fans can join in the coming months to give the club a secure long-term future. I will continue to help and support the project.”

Owner Les Hutchison paid tribute to the outgoing McCafferty. He said: “The Board and the Club would like to thank Brian for his dedication toward Motherwell Football Club. It is vital that the excellent work Brian undertook on behalf of the Society, as a member of the Club Board, continues and we look forward to the nomination of a replacement with the skills required to operate as a Director of a significant business.”

General manager Alan Burrows tweeted: “I'd like to pass on my best wishes to Brian on his 2nd retirement(!) & thank him for everything over the last 3 yrs.”