THE end of an era is approaching at Basingstoke Town with the announcement that their chairman will step down at the end of the season.

Long-serving Rafi Razzak will leave his role in May 2017 and end his financial support of the Southern League Premier Division outfit.

The appointment of a new chairman will be part of a strategic review, called Plan B, which will determine the long-term future of the north Hampshire club.

The review will also include decisions about where the club will play football in the future. After 25 years Razzak believes the time is right for new management to take Town to the next stage.

“I have enjoyed my involvement with Basingstoke Town FC and my connection to the club will continue until I am happy that a suitable long-term plan is achieved,” he stated.

“Therefore, I will continue to be actively involved during the review before handing over the rein to the new chairman and leaving the club in a financially secure position.”

Explaining Plan B, a club statement said: “BTFC has been a firm part of local football tradition since 1896.

"The current Camrose Ground has been its base since 1946.

"Changes in safety and facilities requirements for a modern football club to compete in the national leagues means that the Camrose Ground is no longer suitable without significant changes which may not be economically or practically feasible.

"Following the refusal of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to grant a formal option, earlier this year, for our ambitious preferred Plan A, the move to a new ground at Old Common Road, BTFC has decided that a formal strategic review is now required to help establish a Plan B for the club.”