Edwards quits United board

Former Manchester United FC chairman Martin Edwards has resigned from the club's board of directors.

Major decision
The man regarded as the architect of United's success in the 1990s severed his ties with the club on Friday night as he announced his decision to resign from his position as a non-executive director of the club's parent company, Manchester United plc.

Long relationship
Edwards took over as chairman of the club on the death of his father, Louis Edwards, in 1980 and his departure ends a lengthy relationship between United and the Edwards family who have overseen all of their successes since the 1960s.

Unprecedented success
Becoming the club's chief executive in 1991, Edwards presided over an unprecedented period of success for the club under Sir Alex Ferguson which saw United totally dominate the English Premiership and take the UEFA Champions League title in 1998/99.

Strained relationship
Edwards remained in his post until August 2000 when he was replaced by Peter Kenyon, the current chief executive. Despite the success, Edwards was not always popular with United fans. Some supporters accused him of concentrating too much on the club's off-field money-making activities.