David Sheepshanks has stepped down from his role as chairman of Town after 14 years in the job. The move was widely expected, with club owner Marcus Evans now taking on the position.

Sheepshanks, who joined the Town board in 1987 and took over as chairman in 1995, will continue as a club director and also as chairman of Ipswich Town PLC, which owns a 12.5% stake in the club, and the Community Trust. Sheepshanks is also likely to keep his positions on the FA and Football League boards.

Evans thanked Sheepshanks for his work since the takeover at the end of 2007: "I would like to thank David for his help over the last 16 months since I became involved with the club and for his many years dedicated service.

"He has faced many challenges as chairman and assisted the club to great highs and equally, never shirked responsibility when faced with tougher times.

"I am delighted that he has agreed to continue as a director of the club, where he will continue to provide valuable advice to the board in relation to club and wider football matters."

Sheepshanks, who switched to a non-executive chairman's role a year ago, says the moment had come for him to move aside: "The club has now entered a new era with Marcus Evans, Simon Clegg and Roy Keane at the helm and I feel it is the right time for me to step down as chairman of the club board.

"I am pleased that Marcus will succeed me as he strives to get Ipswich Town back to the Premier League. My experience within football will be made available to the club and the board at all times."

Meanwhile, today's Guardian features an interview with new chief executive Simon Clegg

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