CLUB president Rafi Razzak says he is "fully behind" and "trusts the judgement of my board of directors" in telling Ernie Howe to resign.

Razzak believes Howe's 13-year reign as manager had reached the point, after recent poor team performances, where it was "in the best interests of the club" that he left.

The Basingstoke Town Limited owner, who is also the multi-millionaire owner of Centerprise International, Town's main sponsors for a decade, spoke to The Gazette to endorse the course of action that has been taken this week - Howe's dismissal and Francis Vines' appointment.

Razzak confirmed the matter had been discussed at a two-and-a-half-hour meeting at Centerprise International's offices, in Chineham, last Friday - a meeting the whole board was there for, apart from chairman David Hunt.

It was after club finances had been examined that the conversation turned to Howe's tenure and "the board's unanimous decision", said Razzak, was made.

He added: "I know people are saying the timing is wrong, but there is never a good time or a bad time to make a decision like this or take action like this.

"I had expressed my concerns about the performance of the club a few months ago. With recent bad results and the league position, and with not many games left, the board felt they had to act. I trust their judgement and cannot go against their decision."

That choice was one Hunt was not in agreement over when he learned of it.

Hunt elected to tell Howe the board's decision and then also resigned as chairman, expressing his dismay at the board's decision, made behind his back.

Razzak, who had no vote in the board's decision, said: "I have spoken to David to ask him to reconsider his position, to take off his 'friendship head' with Ernie and put on his 'chairman head' and look at it objectively. I want him to come back as chairman, as do the other members of the board."

Razzak, who spoke to Howe on Tuesday, added: "If Ernie feels disappointed and hurt, I can understand why he feels that way, but I would like to thank Ernie for all he has done.

"This decision is not a reflection on Ernie. The decision the board has made is all about guaranteeing the future of the club and the way it is going to move forward."

He added: "My decision, in terms of finances for the club, will always be to support the club. There is no doubt over my commitment to Basingstoke football club and I am confident the new manager and team will respond to the challenge they face and stay up."

First published: Thursday, March 30, 2006