NEWCASTLE Jesters chairman Paul Smith has revealed how he expects to stand down from the troubled post within three months.

Smith's revelations come five months into a £150,000 pay dispute at the Newcastle Jesters, with the club's owners, Fablon Investments and the Eye Group holding back on players' wages.

The Ice Hockey Players Association this week criticised Smith for repeatedly promising payment "in two weeks" since April - both in the press and to the IHPA, but never delivering.

Following an increase in business with European Sports Holdings, which deals with the club business, Smith last night admitted extra workload would likely see him putting a board of directors in place.

He said: "There is so much happening within the group, that I've been so tied down in ice hockey in the last few months I've got to make a backward step.

"That will happen within two to three months."

Smith said he had never seen himself getting so involved with the club when the Eye Group teamed up with Jokerit at the start of last season, however, his firm soon took full control, buying out the Scandinavians.

Since then, the team went from finalists in the Benson and Hedges Cup and a respectable higher mid-table Superleague (ISL) position to losing the tie and finishing bottom of the ISL and missing the play-offs.

The pay dispute followed and an ISL ruling is in place banning the club from signing players until the money is paid.

"What I will be looking to do is put a board of directors in there and possibly a new chairman," he said.

However, Glenn Mulvenna, who admirably coached the team following the departure at the end of last season of two-season coach Jukka Jalonen, has now been confirmed as director of ice hockey at the club.

His role will incorporate that of general manager, vacated by Mike O'Connor and chief coach. Club administrator Jo Hutchinson will become club manager.

Off the ice action continues this week, following the release of a new club logo, with the unveiling of the designs for a new kit.

Last season's design was "too European" for Smith's liking and he says the new look is much different.

Read more about the Jesters here.