Lifelong Brentford fan Brian Burgess has resigned from his position on the board with immediate effect.
Burgess first started working in a voluntary capacity on the Lionel Road stadium project in 2002 and subsequently became chairman of the supporters’ trust, Bees United.
He was also instrumental in the appointment of Greg Dyke as chairman of the club and the introduction of initial funding from Matthew Benham and took up a paid position on the Brentford Community Stadium project in 2008 as part of a deal with Barratt Homes to secure the land at Lionel Road
Brian has also been a Trustee of the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust charity since it became an independent trust in 2005, a voluntary position that he intends to continue.
Bees owner Benham admitted the club would "not be in the position it is today" without Burgess.
He said: "On behalf of everyone at the club and all our fans I would like to thank Brian for his commitment, dedication and the enormous contribution he has made to the club and to the Brentford Community Stadium project over so many years.
"We would not be in the position we are in today if it was not for the work, some five years of it on a voluntary basis, that Brian – together with Chris [Gammon] – put in. We owe Brian a huge debt of gratitude for his efforts. In recognition, the club has offered and Brian has accepted a position as a Brentford FC Associate Director."
Burgess said: "I am immensely proud of the role I have been able to play in the history of Brentford FC, the supporters’ trust Bees United and the Brentford Community Stadium project. It has been a great privilege to work with so many wonderful and dedicated people, particularly among the supporters.
"Now that the Club is finally in a position to deliver a new stadium and preparatory work has started on site I feel the time is right to step down and look forward to the opening game at Lionel Road."
