Six board members who voted to axe Thornaby FC’s women's teams have stepped down. 

Phil Genery, member of the committee, has confirmed that only he and chairman Gary Morris - who both fought against the decision - remain at the club. 

The Northern Echo understands that Mr Morris called for their resignations last night, following the controversial decision at the emergency meeting over the weekend. 

Phil said the club is “continuing to work with all affected parties” as it looks to “develop the structure of the club to meet our goals.” Further statements will be made “as the situation develops,” he added. 

The Northern Echo:

The backlash was kickstarted after the club announced that it would be scrapping all-female teams on Sunday evening, a move that lef tover 100 female players without a club and sparked outrage across social media. 

The decision - which was reportedly due to staffing levels - saw several high profile sport stars including Lioness Beth Mead, Arsenal defender Maz Pacheco, and Paralympic athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson slam the “horrible” decision. 

Thornaby FC Women’s first team manager Abbey Lyle told The Echo on Monday that the outpouring of support had “restored her faith.” 

She also said that money was not an issue for the club, which has “loads of sponsors” and funds itself, and that they could have sourced extra help for staffing. She added: “It would only take us to ask for volunteers and I’m sure that we could’ve done that.”

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An initial post on Facebook from Thornaby FC said: “The committee held an emergency meeting with all concerned and discussed the whole future of the club including the events over the last 12 months.

“After discussions, it was felt the only way to continue was without the women and running with only the men’s team as before they came to the club also with the Staffing levels very low the day to day running of the club is in doubt.”

Thornaby FC declined to comment when contacted by The Echo.