HALESOWEN Town have been rocked by the shock resignation of chief executive Brendan Phillips.

Phillips, who was also acting as the club’s commercial director, revealed he quit last week after a disagreement with the Yeltz’s prospective new director Graham Ingram over the future direction of the club.

He claims to have become “increasingly concerned” over a number of issues at the Grove and believes continued uncertainty over off-the-field problems is hampering progress.

The Yeltz entered administration last September and are still to exit, despite a deal selling the club to Graham and his San Diego-based brother Godfrey being agreed last month.

Phillips’ surprise departure will come as a big blow, after he had been tasked him with expanding the club’s commercial interests and bringing in much needed sponsorship.

Phillips said: “I tended my resignation last Monday, with some regret.

“I had a chat with Graham (Ingram) and basically I can’t see a way forward under the conditions he was talking about.

“For the benefit of myself I made the decision to step down from the role, there are too many things I don’t feel right about.

“I have become increasingly concerned over a number of issues and felt the time was right to walk away and let the prospective new owners run the club in the way they see fit.”

Phillips previously managed the Yeltz from 2001 to 2004 and rejoined the club last October to help run it on a day-today basis.

He was instrumental in easing the chaos caused by the end of Morell Maison’s reign and encouraged numerous key volunteers to return, most notably former general manager Colin Brookes.

But Phillips says he is worried by numerous off-the-field problems and says the club cannot move forward until it exits administration.

He added: “We are currently in the busiest part of the close season but progress has been slow.

“I know these things take time but certain things should have been put in place by now and they have not been.

“The Ingrams paid out a lot of money during the season and you have got to give them credit for that.

“But as far as I was concerned we should have been looking to build on the success of last season as the gates closed after the last game.

“It hasn’t even started.

“We are now several weeks into the close season and we haven’t got anywhere. We don’t even know what the admission prices will be for next year.

“I felt I had to leave but this was a decision made after a lot of soul searching as I genuinely love the club and wish them all the best.”

His departure has been met with dismay by supporters’ group the Yeltz Trust.

Chairman Gary Willetts said: “We are disappointed Brendan has decided to leave and are concerned by the issues which have brought this about.”

The Yeltz entered administration with debts of more than £500,000. An initial proposal selling the club to the Ingrams was accepted by creditors in November.

Graham Ingram has yet to comment on the latest development.