www.CHAIRBOYS.co.uk - Wycombe Wanderers - News item from Chairboys on the Net

HERE WE GO AGAIN - CE RESIGNS
(Friday 29th May 2009)
Woodlands Stand from players tunnel

Wanderers fans could be forgiven for feeling a sense of Deja Vu when the Club announced that Chief Executive Mark Ashton has resigned just a few months into his new job at Adams Park.
It follows a series of appointments and departures from similar positions at the Club over the past few years, starting when the Club apppointed their first Chief Executive in the form of Simon Monkman back in February 2002. Monkman lasted just six months at the Club and following conversion to a PLC in July 2004, there has been a steady stream of names under titles ranging from General Manager to Operations Manager and culminating in the appointment of Ashton in February 2009 as Wanderers' CE and also as Non-Executive Director of Wycombe's tenants, London Wasps.
Ashton, who arrived at Wycombe after stepping down from a similar position at Watford, had to fend off some heavy criticism from his time at Vicarge Road, stating to the Bucks Free Press, "Judge me by what I do and how we progress not on other people’s accounts.” He went on to say, “People are right to be sceptical of any chief executive saying they want to grow the supporter base because, if the board put ten other chief executives in front of them they’d all say the same. Where I’m different is that in my head I have a clear vision about how I’m going to do it."
Those visions are now a just a blur after Ashton suggested that he was leaving Wycombe to pursue a different career. In a statement on the Club's Official website, Ashton said, "I have been in football for the majority of my life and feel that it's now time to do something different. I have had a number of highs and lows in football and regard my short time at Wycombe as some of the most enjoyable. I have a new baby daughter and intend to spend the summer at home with my family before deciding on my next career move." He added, "The time I have spent at Wycombe has been great and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to Steve Hayes, the board, Peter Taylor and the staff for making me feel so welcome. I genuinely wish the club the very best of luck moving forward and I am sure that their future is extremely bright."
Ashton was thought to be a key figure in Steve Hayes' plans to push through a move to a new stadium but now after less than four months down the line Hayes, will be looking for another figure head to help with the joint venture between Wanderers, London Wasps and the local Council. Commenting on Ashton's departure, Hayes said, "Mark came to see me last week to discuss the fact that he felt that he needed a break from football and wanted to pursue a career outside of the game. Whilst I am disappointed that Mark will be leaving us, I respect his decision and wish him well for the future."

Executive appointment timeline higlights at Adams Park
February 2002 - Simon Monkman appointed as Club's first Chief Executive
September 2002 - Simon Monkman resigns
July 2004 - Club converted to PLC
September 2004 - John Harrison appointed as General Manager
December 2004 - Mark Austin - Sales & Marketing Director made redundant
June 2005 - Garry Adamson joins as 'Operations Manager'
December 2005 - John Harrison departs as General Manager
May 2006 - Karen Ellis apponted as 'Head of Business Development' January 2007 - Steve Hayes goes full-time as Wanderers Managing Director
February 2007 - Karen Ellis departs
March 2007 - Garry Adamson resigns as General Manager
February 2009 - Mark Ashton appointed as Cheif Executive
May 2009 - Mark Ashton resigns

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