STEVE Beck has resigned from the board of York City.

The youth development and fans’ liaison director, who was one of the key players in the fight to save the club six years ago, has stepped down with immediate effect.

Beck has been a York City Supporters’ Trust representative on the club board since March 2003, when the organisation took over the ownership at Bootham Crescent.

He has also been one of the Supporters’ Trust’s leading figures since its inception in early 2002 and, while he is leaving the club board, he has confirmed he will be continuing his role as chairman of the Trust.

Beck said: “After nearly six years as a York City director, I have decided to step down from the board. I will, however, be continuing my involvement with York City through my role as chairman of the Supporters’ Trust and I look forward to furthering the positive work between the Trust and the club.

“I also intend to continue attending matches regularly and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone at the club much success going forward.”

In his role with City’s youth development set-up, Beck oversaw both the Centre of Excellence, which provides regular coaching sessions for Under-10s and has teams ranging from U11s to U16s, and the young apprentice scheme – which sees the centre’s most talented performers embark on a two-year development programme as professional footballers.

Beck added: “The situation regarding a replacement Trust representative on the club board will now be discussed by the Trust board members.

“Then proposals will be put forward to the club board. We hope to make these proposals within the next month.”

Jason McGill, York City chairman, said: “I would like to thank Steve for the positive contribution he has made to the club board over the years in his capacity as youth development and fans’ liaison director.

“We are all sorry to see him leave the board, but thankfully he is maintaining his involvement through his role as chairman of the Trust, which is beneficial to the club. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Steve’s wife, Carol, who has proved a great support.”