BURY FC chief executive Terry Robinson has sensationally stepped down from the Shakers hotseat.

Robinson, who has single-handedly kept the second division strugglers in existence since majority shareholder Hugh Eaves was caught up in a stock market scandal two-and-a-half years ago, announced his decision yesterday (Mon Jan 28).

The Gigg Lane outfit will continue to be run day-to-day by the remaining two board members, fellow directors John Smith and Fred Mason, who will be taking on joint chairmanship roles.

The 57-year-old Bury-born chairman, who took over the reins in January 1983, hopes that by relinquishing his £50,000-a-year chief executive post one of two interested consortia will now move swiftly to take over the Gigg Lane outfit.

A bid and terms of agreement have already been reached between a Manchester-based group, Mansport, and the solicitors acting for the plaintiffs of the Eaves action. All that is now required is a signature on the deal with the next step an application to a judge in chambers to ratify the sale.

"I have been privileged to be associated with the club but it has now reached the stage for me to go," said Mr Robinson, a life-long Bury fan.

"The purchase of the Eaves shares is now imminent and I feel I can do no more.

"The aim of the board has always been to keep the club afloat until new owners have been found.

"The financial position has seen steady improvement. Figures to the end of December 2001 showed profitable trading, but the unfortunate loss of Christmas fixtures has increased the financial pressures.

"The board has worked tremendously hard with all involved at the club to arrive at a conclusion to the Eaves situation.

"It is important now for fans to get behind the club and look to the future. It is the help of sponsors and supporters focused on the Bury Times appeal that has raised local awareness. It must continue to achieve permanent stability."

The club's financial situation was further complicated last year with a question mark over the security of a £1 million mortgage on the ground, taken up with a firm of Sheffield solicitors which was struck-off for infringing Law Society regulations.

Mr Robinson had been informed by London solicitors Ashurst Morris Crisp that an agreement has been reached with the Mansport consortium, which is believed to include Turkish businessman Alex Tarsus, and is awaiting a signature.

Meanwhile another group, led by a millionaire season ticket holder, is believed to be ready to step in, should the Mansport deal go awry. Neither consortium was available for comment yesterday.