Former Coleraine chairman Colin McKendry is one of five long-serving directors stepping down – with the Irish League side announcing “the club enters a new chapter”.

McKendry – who served on the Board for 16 years including 14 as chairman – has resigned his directorship with effect from June 4 alongside Raymond Smyth (15 years), Allister Kyle (12 years), Richard McFetridge (nine years) and Mark Kane (seven years).

A Coleraine statement added: “Between them, they have given the club almost 60 years of service.

"Their departures mark the end of an era at the club – one in which Coleraine moved from part-time to full-time football, restructured for sustainability, and this season finished as Irish Cup winners with European football to follow.”

placeholder image — Colin McKendry as Coleraine chairman with the Irish Cup in 2018. (Photo by by INPHO/Stephen Hamilton)

McKendry, on behalf of the outgoing directors, described “a privilege to serve this club through a period of significant change”.

“We leave with the club in good hands, with cup silverware in the cabinet and European football to look forward to,” added McKendry. “We thank the supporters, the players past and present, and everyone connected with the club.

"Coleraine FC is in our blood and always will be."

Chairman Henry Helle-Ross said: "These five men have given Coleraine Football Club years of service in a period of profound change for the club and for Irish football.

"They have carried the club through a transition that no previous generation of directors faced, and they leave it in a stronger position than they found it.

"The club, and I personally, are grateful for their contribution.

"We wish each of them well and look forward to seeing them at the Showgrounds many times in the seasons ahead.

"They will always be welcome here."