Ray Trew steps down as Notts County chairman

Trew, who purchased the club from Qadbak Investments in February 2010, has cited the " foul, mindless abuse" he says he has been subjected to recently as the main reason behind his decision.

The Magpies have won just three of their last 11 Sky Bet League Two matches, losing six, and are 11 points adrift of the play-off places when the expectation after relegation last season was to mount a serious challenge for an immediate return to League One.

"It is with very mixed emotions that I announce the end of my tenure as chairman of Notts County Football Club, as I put the club up for sale, having re-evaluated my position in light of recent events," wrote Trew.

"I must start by stressing that this is not me backing away from a challenge, I do not do that and, indeed, if I'd have wanted to I would have done so some time ago because it has been a difficult journey at times.

"However, when my family are subjected to the kind of foul, mindless abuse that they have been in recent days, both in person and courtesy of the oh so brave keyboard warriors, regardless of whether this is just the minority ruining it for the larger supporter base, I have to make changes.

"That said, whilst I have a somewhat bad taste in my mouth from the vitriol spouted by some, I do not walk away lingering on any negativity but instead will take with me the many happy memories that I have accrued from my time at Meadow Lane...

"...I've never asked for praise, though, just understanding. I never claimed to have got everything right and I've not always made easy decisions, but every decision I have made has been with the best intentions of this club at the forefront of my mind.

"I would like to thank all those that have worked for the club in any capacity during my time at Notts, we've had some truly outstanding staff at the club over the years, many of whom have gone unrecognised for their efforts, but all of whom gave their all to help the club progress.

"So as I say my final goodbye, I would like to thank the core of true fans who have pulled together to back this great club and give their all in trying to move us forwards, your support has always been appreciated and will be the overriding memory for me because my family and I have made some very good friends amongst the supporter base.

"As Notts County prepares for the next chapter in its long and illustrious career, I wish them nothing but luck and hope that from here on it is all onwards and upwards."

During Trew's tenure, Notts County were promoted to League One as champions in 2010 and the following year played a friendly against Juventus in Italy to open their new stadium where Lee Hughes' late equaliser earned the Magpies a memorable 1-1 draw.