NORTH End chairman Bryan Gray has stood down from his post at the Deepdale outfit.

At the club's Annual General Meeting, Gray did not seek re-election to the post he has held since his company, BAXI, became associated with North End.

He cited personal reasons for his decision - primarily that he could no longer devote the level of time required to head up a Division One club.

He has extensive work and voluntary commitments.

Deputy chairman Derek Shaw steps up a post until the new chairman is announced.

Chief exeuctive Tony Scholes led the praise for the work of Gray. In his time at the club, North End have rebuilt Deepdale and risen to the First Division - their highest position for nearly 40 years.

Mr Scholes said: "I would like to thank Bryan on behalf of the other directors, staff, players and supporters, who I believe, have all benefited whilst Bryan has been chairman.

"When Bryan arrived at the club we were in the lower reaches of the third division with an old, dilapidated stadium.

"Sound business practices have been adopted both on and off the pitch, and these have resulted in the success we have had as a club.

Derek Shaw added: "We have a very good football set-up with David Moyes and the first team.

"We also now have three sides of the new stadium complete, the National Football Museum and a successful commercial and media operation.

"This success will be built upon in the coming years."