CALLUM Rice and Gary Hooper are no longer directors of Swindon Town Football Club after standing down to concentrate on their own businesses.

Along with current chairman Jed McCrory and general manager Steve Murrall, Rice and Hooper came into the club following the takeover by Seebeck 87 Limited which was completed in February.

Following the initial transition period the pair have been spending less and less time at the County Ground in recent weeks, and have now returned to concentrate on their own outside business interests. Rice owns a hotel in Lincolnshire, while Hooper is still likely to be aiding the club despite concentrating on his sports consultancy business.

A statement released by the club read: “Swindon Town FC have today announced two changes to the board of directors with immediate effect.

“Gary Hooper and Callum Rice have stepped down from their positions on the board, having helped to steer the club through the initial three months since the takeover.

“The club would like to thank both Gary and Callum for helping with the transition period, and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours."

In the statement, chairman Jed McCrory commented: “I would personally like to thank Gary and Callum, we have had a very testing three months and their efforts have been much appreciated during this period.

“Callum has stepped down to concentrate on his own business interests, but has enjoyed his short time involved with Swindon. Gary will also be focusing his efforts on his own business.

“We have a solid foundation to take the club forward, and now it’s time to strengthen the board with the skills required for long-term sustainability and success.”

As previously reported by the Advertiser, chartered accountant Stephen Crouch and former professional footballer Lee Power are set to join the board, subject to Football League approval.