Burnley chairman battling cancer

Kilby will end his 13-year stint at the helm of the Lancashire club in May, but is set to remain on the board of directors.

"I've been diagnosed with cancer so obviously it's going to be a big change in my life and I'm going to have to deal with it, so it was the right time to take stock and step down as chairman," he said.

"I've known for quite a while and I know the path we've got to take. It's going to take up time, so I obviously couldn't really carry on as chairman of the club. It's been a long time - 13 years and a big part of my life - so it wasn't taken easily, but circumstances have made it for me."

Kilby, 62, expects his successor to be drawn from a close-knit board, comprising of five Burnley fans.

"They're all Burnley fans on the board, there's nobody in there who's just come in, looked on a map and thought 'I fancy being a director of a football club'. The board of directors elects its chairman so it will come, I would imagine, from the directors that are here."

Burnley's board of directors have paid tribute to Kilby.

New chief executive Lee Hoos, joint operational director Brendan Flood and directors Clive Holt, Mike Garlick and John Banasczeiwicz issued a joint statement which read: "Barry has taken a lot of responsibility in his 13 years in charge, expertly guiding this club through good and bad times.

"He is a hugely respected chairman, both inside Turf Moor and among peer clubs and we feel sure that every fan would want to thank him for his commitment.

"At a director level, we know that Barry loves and always wants to do the best for Burnley Football Club and we are extremely proud and grateful for his contribution, which we hope will continue, despite his recent health issues.

"Operationally, we continue to have a shared vision and the board structure remains strong and focused on achieving what we all want for Burnley Football Club, which is success on the field and stability behind the scenes."