IAN Ridley and Dave Higson have left the board of directors at Weymouth Football Club.

Chairman Ridley is battling prostate cancer and it is understood that he felt unable to commit enough time to the club as a result.

Director Higson, who became acting chairman in Ridley's absence, is believed to have relinquished his position due to other business-related interests.

The duo's departures come just days after Matty Hale stepped down as manager.

However, directors Shaun Hennessy and Paul Cocks insist there is no rift within the football club.

They also revealed that the club has instructed lawyers to investigate the urgent commencement of legal proceedings against former chairman Malcolm Curtis on the grounds of gross negligence and misfeasance during his time at the Wessex Stadium.

See tomorrow's Echo for a full interview with Cocks and Hennessy.