Blackburn Steps Down

Last updated : 24 June 2004 By Mark O' Haire

On the day the new season’s fixtures were announced an following the departure of Chief Executive David Davies, chairman Nick Blackburn has today stepped down as resigned.

Blackburn was former Rangers owner Chris Wright's deputy before taking over as chairman when Wright quit the club in 2001.

Davies, Blackburn and company chairman Ross Jones are leaving as part of a shake-up at Loftus Road following disagreements at boardroom level. Lost confidence and the rise of new investor Gianni Paladini are said to be the main reasons for departure.

The Italian businessman had formed an allegiance with fellow investor and long-term QPR fan Bill Power and Kevin McGrath to help shut the door on the Chris Wright era for good.

Many fans were critical of the way the club was being run due to the threesome still having connections with former chairman Wright.

Justin Pieris of the QPR supporters' trust, QPR 1st, welcomed news of Blackburn's departure.

Blackburn angered fans by considering a merger with Wimbledon and was also associated with the club's slide into administration.

Pieris said: "Nick Blackburn was our last link with the years of waste that followed QPR's relegation from the Premiership.

"As Chris Wright's deputy, he was effectively at the helm through all of the club's worst times and, while we don't doubt his professed commitment to QPR, we will not miss him.

"His attempt to broker the merger of Wimbledon FC (now of course the Milton Keynes Dons) and Rangers was probably the single act that cost him most trust amongst supporters.

"He never regained that trust, deservedly so."
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