It will be with very heavy hearts that we see Neil Hudgell depart from Hull Kingston Rovers in December. There have been some highs and a few lows, but in the 16 years that Neil has been at the helm of Rovers, what we’ve always been able to say with absolute confidence is that the man in charge has the best interests of the club and its fans at heart.

Neil was of course a committed Rovers fan long before his chairmanship, a ball boy in his childhood, and I have no doubt that he will continue his association and fanatical support for the club hereafter.

Neil has brought success on and off the pitch, including the building of the North Stand, named in honour of his friend the legend that is the late Colin Hutton, which I was honoured to play a small part in delivering through Hull City Council and European Union funding.

I think many people in our city today will be filled with gratitude for the hard-work, dedication and passion Neil has shown to a crucially important city of Hull institution and I thank him hugely for that.

I know that Neil will play his part in ensuring a smooth transition to new ownership, and I wish him and the club the very best in the future.