WANDERERS have confirmed that CEO Emma Beaugeard will be stepping down from her role as chief executive to help with cost reductions at the club.

Rumours of her exit have circulated for several weeks but the club has now released an official statement to say Beaugeard is stepping down after just over nine months in the role.

Appointed after Football Ventures completed their takeover last August, Beaugeard will stay on in the short-term to help the senior executive team during a period of transition.

It is expected that Chief Operating Officer Andy Gartside could now take a bigger role in the day-to-day running of the club.

“It has been a privilege to serve the board, stakeholders, club, hotel, and fans during the period I have held the role of chief executive,” Beaugeard said.

“The survival and wellbeing of BWFC is paramount and with the decimating effects of the pandemic and confirmation of relegation there absolutely needs to be necessary cost reductions and a restructure to give the club every chance of success.

“I am stepping down but not away as BWFC are firmly lodged in my heart and I will be looking forward, as many will, to coming to games in the future and watching the Wanderers rise again.”

Wanderers chairman Sharon Brittan said she would be sorry to see Beaugeard leave the post.

“I have worked with Emma for over 30 years and as well as somebody whom I trust implicitly in a professional capacity she is also a dear and close friend,” she said.

“Emma has shown great magnanimity by stepping down from her role during what is a significant period of change for the club. She has done a tremendous job leading up to and following the takeover and worked tirelessly across the club and Hotel to put us on a sure footing to move forwards.

“Emma leaves the Club with our sincere thanks and will always remain a major part of our story with the club. I know that in whatever role Emma decides to take up in the future she will bring warmth, light, diligence and professionalism.

“We are looking to build a new senior management structure going forward and this process will take place over the next few months.”