RUSS GREEN admits leaving Hartlepool United was a tough call.

The club’s chief executive quit his role last Friday, a little over 12 months after overseeing the takeover, as JPNG and Gary Coxall took over at Victoria Park.

Green’s move, as first revealed in The Northern Echo, comes weeks before the club start the new season in League Two with positive expectations.

He said: “I just want to say that making the decision to leave was a massive wrench because I love this club.

“It was a very emotional day for me on Friday but I would like to think I am leaving the club in a better position than it’s ever been, both on and off the pitch.

“With the acquisitions we’ve made over the summer, I feel that we can look forward to a very successful season and I’ll certainly be cheering the lads on.

“We have had some good times and some bad times together over the years; there were times when I might have walked away when things weren’t going well but I wanted to see it through and the club is flourishing now.’’

Green, who joined Pools as commercial manager in 2002 before being appointed chief executive three years later and is well respected throughout the game, added: “JPNG have come in and done a great job and I am looking forward to seeing the new era unfold but I think that now is the right time for me to leave.

“It’s been an incredibly tough time for me over the last two years and I feel like it has taken its toll so I am sure now is the right time for me to take a step back.’’

Pools’ chairman Coxall paid tribute to Green, adding: “After 14 years of service Russ has earned the right to put himself first

“He will always be welcome at The Vic and I’m sure we’ll see him at many games because he has an enormous passion for this Football Club.

“I would like to thank Russ for all his effort and commitment over the years, in particular over the last 12 months during which he has helped JPNG settle in as owners.

“I want to re-assure all supporters that this development won’t affect our plans to drive the club forward and everyone behind the scenes is working hard to make sure 2016/17 is an exciting season.”