PRESIDENT Ken Stewart insisted there was "no animosity" towards Paula Henley after she quit as Wimborne Town chairperson for the second time.

Businesswoman Henley ended her 13-month tenure as chairperson due to personal reasons, leaving the board of directors in the process.

It was her second stint at the Cuthbury club after she vacated the role in February 2015 following just five months at the helm.

Stewart and former director Tony Grant will cover for Henley while the club searches for a long-term successor.

And Stewart said Henley's second spell in charge – during which the club battled debts of £110,000 – had been positive.

He told the Daily Echo: "We had a meeting with Paula and she was very open. She is stepping down for personal reasons and we understand the situation.

"I believe she has left the club in good shape and has done some good things while she has been here.

"The financial situation has been much improved since she arrived and that is certainly a feather in her cap.

"She leaves on good terms and there is no animosity. I'm sure she will come back and support the club as a supporter when she can."

Former chairman Stewart also ruled himself out of a return to the role.

He added: "I've done my stint. I had seven years of it and that's enough for me, even though I'm Wimborne through and through.

"As president, I look after the hospitality side of things and that suits me down to the ground. Myself and Tony are here just to keep the wheels turning.

"I'm sure people will come out of the woodwork and will fancy a go.

"Nothing changes on the playing side. It will keep going as it always has done."

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Henley politely declined to comment further on a statement issued by the club.

The statement said: "The reason behind Paula's decision is personal and she has requested privacy as the decision has not been an easy one for her to make."

Anyone interested in applying for the role of chair should email info@wimbornetownfc.co.uk or phone 01202 884821.