Director Leaves United Board

Maurice Watkins CBE is stepping down from the board of Manchester United Football Club Ltd after 28 years' service. From 1991-2004, he was also a director of Manchester United PLC, a company quoted on the London Stock Exchange.

Mr Watkins joined the board in 1984, at the invitation of the then chairman, Martin Edwards. In 1986, he was centrally involved, alongside Martin Edwards, Bobby Charlton and Michael Edelson, in the appointment of Alex Ferguson to succeed Ron Atkinson. He has played a significant role in the development of Manchester United and the game of football both domestically and internationally during that time.

Announcing Maurice's departure, Chief Executive, David Gill said:

"Maurice has been a great servant of and adviser to Manchester United and I'd like to place on record my thanks and that of the other board members for the time and effort he has devoted to that task. He has been a source of calm, measured advice and someone who always has the genuine interests of the Club at heart. Although Maurice is leaving the board, in his role as Joint Senior Partner of Brabners Chaffe Street, he will continue to act as one of the Club’s advisers going forward. ”

Maurice Watkins said:

"It has been a privilege to serve on the board of that great institution which is Manchester United Football Club, for nearly thirty years and to work with so many committed individuals during that time. I shall continue to support the Club in the future both on and off the pitch wherever I am able to do so."