Stuart Fitchie has stepped down as chairman of relegation-threatened Isthmian Premier outfit Herne Bay.

Fitchie reportedly became the youngest football club chairman in Kent history when he was part of a consortium which took over at Winch’s Field in 2019, overseeing last season’s play-off victory which saw them rise to Step 3 of the English non-league pyramid for the first time in the club’s history.

Herne Bay also installed a new 3G pitch last summer.

But Fitchie, still only aged in his early 30s and this year set to open a wine store in Whitstable, explained why he has left his Bay role in a statement on Thursday night.

“A bittersweet moment for me as I announce to you that, as of today, I’m stepping down as chairman of Herne Bay FC,” his statement read.

“[It’s] something that has been playing on my mind for a while and an action I wanted to propose after the season had ended. But a series of recent events - including a new role which will need my total commitment - has called for me to announce this to you today.

“[I’ve had] nearly four years in the role; something I have totally embraced and given my all [to].

• Captain Harvey's injury blow

“Finding our feet along the way, we took over a club that was completely on its knees to a club with some unbelievable facilities and the undeniable scope for real growth - something I'm really gutted I will not be around to help steer and play out.

“Slowly but surely, we have made some absurd transformations and, looking at the club now, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. It has been one hell of [a] ride and one I will remember forever.

“The great news this week is we have been recommended to pass the ground grading, meaning the club can continue on the trajectory it has been on.

“I want to thank the Herne Bay supporters for their respect and backing during my tenure.

“I explained in many meetings, I thought HBFC was too big for the league we were in and I wanted to achieve promotion and to do it within our first complete season was an experience every football fan wants to go through. [It was] my greatest sporting achievement.

“Lastly, but by no means least, I want to thank my friends and family.

“This role I [have] completely dedicated myself to and has - no doubt - taken over my life. My friends and network have supported me, both physically and financially, through this and my family emotionally.

“My family have endured being second to the football club on so many occasions, thank you for sticking with me. I have had fantastic support and I really cannot thank them enough.

“Time to focus on my career, my family and… me…. and see where the journey takes us.

“Thank you for the fond memories.”

As part of the consortium which took over four years ago, Fitchie appointed Ben Smith as Bay’s new boss and he led them to Isthmian South East play-off glory.

But the club have been battling Isthmian Premier relegation in their first campaign at the level.

Smith, who even managed Fitchie as a player at Canterbury City, quit in November, with Kevin Watson replacing him, supported by assistant Adam Flanagan.

Bay remain fourth-bottom in the table, two points from Kingstonian and safety, ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Hastings.