John Ryan writes off £4m loans before exiting Doncaster Rovers

John Ryan has left his duties as chairman of his beloved hometown club Doncaster Rovers after giving up his 24% stake in the football team.

Ryan, who was at the helm during the most successful period in the club’s history, also written off loans worth around £4m before walking away from Rovers, Doncaster Free Press reports.

The Cheshire-based businessman, who initially gave up his position as chairman and director of Rovers back in November 2013 after falling out fellow major shareholder Bramall about the future of the club, helped reduce the club’s debts by cancelling his loans.

Ryan is expected to turn his focus to his cosmetic surgery business MYA.

In a statement, the former chairman said: “I am very proud of my 15 years as chairman. First saving the club from oblivion and fulfilling my four promises, namely: returning the football club to the league, building a new stadium, getting to a major cup final and returning the club to the second tier.

“The standout moments for me were beating Leeds United at Wembley, Bristol Rovers at the Millennium and beating Manchester City and Aston Villa before going out to Arsenal on penalties in the League Cup. Brentford wasn’t bad either.

“Four promotions, one cup and one relegation in ten years will always be a golden decade for Rovers. I have handed my shares and loans back to the club I love and know Terry (Bramall) and Dick (Watson) will do a splendid job.

“They have both put considerable amounts of money into the club and it’s now up to the fans to back them to the hilt. I have supported the club since 1958 and only wish it success for the future. I ask the fans to be patient and thank them for their brilliant support I received over my years as chairman.”

Doncaster Rovers added in a statement: “The owners and the board of Doncaster Rovers would like to thank John Ryan for his time, commitment and professionalism in driving this club forward during his reign here which has now come to a close.

“John has made the decision to end his time with the club. We, as a board, are keen for you all to know that John Ryan remains a friend of us all and of Doncaster Rovers Football Club.

“The commitment of the board to the success of the club and to act in the interests of our wonderful supporters continues as we now actively look to develop the infrastructure of the first team, the youth and development, the matchday showcase and the brand of Club Doncaster. We have something very unique here and we are actively working on making the fundamental changes required to take this club to the next level, both on and off the pitch.

“This is the start of a new era and we are immensely excited about it.”