MARCUS Evans will today take over as chairman of Ipswich Town.

Derek Davis

MARCUS Evans will today take over as chairman of Ipswich Town.

The Blues owner will take the post from David Sheepshanks, who told Evans he wanted to step down after 14 years as chairman but will remain on the board as a non-executive director.

Evans, who took over as an 87.5% majority shareholder in December 2007, will now head the board, which also includes chief executive Simon Clegg and directors Martin Pitcher, Ian Milne and Jonathan Symonds.

Evans said: “I would like to thank David for his help over the last 16 months since I became involved with the club and for his many years dedicated service.

“He has faced many challenges as chairman and assisted the club to great highs and equally, never shirked responsibility when faced with tougher times. I am delighted that he has agreed to continue as a director of the club, where he will continue to provide valuable advice to the board in relation to club and wider football matters.”

Sheepshanks will continue as both chairman of Ipswich Town Plc and the Ipswich Town Community Trust.

He said: “The club has now entered a new era with Marcus Evans, Simon Clegg and Roy Keane at the helm and I feel it is the right time for me to step down as chairman of the club board.

“I am pleased that Marcus will succeed me as he strives to get Ipswich Town back to the Premier League.

“My experience within football will be made available to the club and the board at all times.”

Staying on as a Blues director means Sheepshanks will be able to retain his position on both the FA and Football League board.

He is also chairman of the Suffolk Foundation and is also actively involved with many East Anglian projects and businesses including the Samaritans.