BURNLEY will wait until the end of the season before deciding on a new chairman, following Barry Kilby’s decision to step down from the role in May.

The announcement came out of the blue for many yesterday, including manager Eddie Howe.

Kilby, who joined the Clarets board in October 1998 and became chairman two months later, explained in a brief statement that his decision was influenced by “unfortunate health issues”.

Operational director Brendan Flood insisted the 62-year-old’s well-being had to be the priority, but assured fans the club would run as normal.

Kilby is set to remain on the five-man board, which also includes Mike Garlick, Clive Holt and newest director John Banaszkiewicz, who, along with Flood, could all be considered for the chairmanship. Promoting new chief executive Lee Hoos to executive chairman could also be an option.

However, I understand the board structure will not be assessed until May at the earliest.

Flood, who has worked alongside Kilby for five years, said: “First and foremost we hope Barry gets better soon and that it isn’t a prolonged illness. That’s the most important thing.

“The club will carry on.

“The most important thing is Barry’s health.”

That sentiment was echoed by Burnley boss Howe, who added: “My first thoughts were with him straight away.

“It wasn’t news I was expecting.”

Although Flood became the majority shareholder in the summer, after both he and Banaszkiewicz bought shares from Kilby, fuelling suggestions the chairman was preparing to reduce his Turf Moor responsibilities, the timing of the announcement came as a surprise.

As a result, the board have yet to decide who will be named Kilby’s successor, although Flood stressed there was no urgency.

Instead, he wished to focus on the job Kilby has done at Turf Moor over the last 13 years.

“Being involved in a football club is a hard job. Whatever position you take as a director it’s a challenge, and I think if you put you own money at stake for the club you have done something to help,” he said.

“When you’ve done it for a long period of time as Barry has, that deserves a real pat on the back, and you deserve to be remembered for it.

“It’s important he is appreciated for what he has done.

“The good thing is, he will be involved still, so he can lend his experience to the team.”