DEREK Hooper has resigned as director of Chippenham Town from the end of this current season after only six months at Hardenhuish.

Hooper, the owner of Carpet Barns shops in Chippenham, Melksham and Longwell Green, has cited business commitments for his decision.

A close friend of former Bluebirds chairman Malcolm Lyus, he joined the club in October and revealed the role of director became harder when Lyus resigned in February.

He said: "Since Malcolm left I have had to do a lot of his job and it has left me stretched. Retailing and football doesn't go together.

"We need some new directors in because you can't have a part time director or chairman. There was tremendous pressure on me from the club and the fans to become the next chairman but it became very time consuming and also very expensive.

"But I am sure the budget for next season will be right and the club can look forward to a bright future."

Hooper is staying at the club and will assist new sales executive Lauren McKell in various commercial activities.