WEYMOUTH vice-chairman Paul Maitland has announced his exit from the Terras after 10 years at the club.
His final game will be Saturday's Vanarama National League home clash with Chesterfield.
Maitland has played a huge role at the Bob Lucas Stadium in his decade-long association with the Terras.
At various stages, he has been assistant-boss to Jason Matthews and Mark Molesley, was director of football and most recently vice-chairman.
Maitland also led Weymouth as interim manager for the 1-0 FA Trophy loss at Dartford between boss Brian Stock's departure and the appointment of David Oldfield.
READ MORE: 'I was keen to stay' - Paul Maitland on return to Weymouth in 2020
Maitland is highly regarded at the club and was recognised as one of the most influential and supportive members of staff at Weymouth.
In January 2020, Maitland left Weymouth before returning as interim director of football following the exit of Molesley as manager later that summer.
And in May 2021 he took the role of vice-chairman following Rob Bowman's exit.
In a post on Twitter, Maitland cited being "exhausted" as his main reasoning for stepping away from the club.
He said: "I have taken the decision to stand down from my role as vice-chairman of Weymouth Football Club.
"I came here 10 years ago looking to enhance my coaching career and have ended up going on an unbelievable experience of highs and lows.
"It will take me too long to thank everyone individually who I have worked with, but I must thank each of the managers I’ve worked alongside: Brendon (King), Jason, Mark, Brian and although only for a short period, David.
"My ambition when I arrived was to try and help rebuild and see this wonderful club thrive again, the journey has had so many twists and turns but a return to the National League has topped all of those struggles.
"For those who question why now, the honest truth is I am exhausted, my children need to see more of me and some of the abuse aimed at me recently has become too much.
"I understand the frustration that is being felt, I feel it too! It is time for someone new to step in and give David and the team the support to take the club forward again.
"Finally I wanted to thank you, the supporters, nothing has given me greater pleasure than to see the joy on your faces after the Farnborough game and in the town after Dartford.
"I have shared laughs, tears and a few beers with you and leave with some great memories of you.
"Non-League football is nothing without you guys, keep supporting the boys and your club. Thank you and good luck!”
Chairman Ian White admitted losing Maitland will be like "losing my left arm".
He told the Terras' website: “Over the four years that I have been the Chairman of this great club Paul has played a major part in all that we have achieved. In all he has had two major jobs over that time.
"Director of Football and for the last 18 months my vice-chairman as well. During the first two-and-a-half years which included our two back-to-back promotions he was the link between Mark Molesley and the board and what a job he did with that.
"He will be a very hard act to follow, he did so many things that were unseen. To be honest it feels like I am losing my left arm.
"We have become very good friends and that friendship will last for a lifetime. So Lord Maitland thank you so much for all you have done for our club and for me.
"Look after those lovely children of yours and remember you will always be welcome at the Bob Lucas Stadium.”
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