BARRY Kilby, Burnley’s popular chairman, has announced he is to step down at the end of the season due to health problems.

Mr Kilby, who took control of the Clarets in 1998, has overseen a successful period in the club’s history, including promotion to the Premier League in 2009.

His role at the club has been hailed by colleagues, friends and supporters.

In a statement Mr Kilby said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to have been at the helm of this great club for the past 13 years.

“However, growing demands on my time caused by the treatment of unfortunate health issues have convinced me that the time is right to plan to step down as chairman.

“I will, of course, give my full support to my successor and hopefully will still be able to make a significant contribution to the well-being and progress of Burnley Football Club.”

Alastair Campbell, the former government communications director and Clarets fan, said: “I saw Barry at the Peterborough game and I’ve known about his health problems for some time.

“The reason he is held in such affection and respect by Burnley fans, and football fans in general, is because he is someone who really cared for his club. A lot of chairmen are on their own ego trips.

“Barry was a fantastic chairman and I wish him all the best for the future. I’m just glad he put his health first.”

Mr Kilby was credited with bringing stability to the club after he joined the board in October 1998 and was appointed chairman two months later.

In January 1999 he invested £3million to become the club's biggest shareholder.

Stan Ternent was the boss when Mr Kilby gained control but after he left in 2004 Steve Cotterill was his first managerial appointment.

He went on to hand the reins to Owen Coyle, Brian Laws and current manager Eddie Howe.

Former chief executive Paul Fletcher said that Mr Kilby can be put on a par with former chairman Bob Lord for his service to the club.

And he said he believes it is testimony to the chairman’s careful stewardship that the Clarets are in a position to challenge for promotion to the Premier League again, in what will be his final season at the helm.

Mr Fletcher said: “We’re sitting nicely in the Championship with a great manager, a great set of supporters and an excellent squad - all that can only point back to the chairman.”