Bairns director and CEO Bateman steps down

Falkirk directors at Stark's Park, Kirkcaldy earlier this month. Pic by Michael Gillen.

He follows Douglas McIntyre and Colin Liddell who left in May and August. See our story on Mr Liddell’s departure here.

The club announced Mr Bateman, who turns 70 this month, had left in a statement last Friday afternoon.

In it chairman Doug Henderson paid tribute to “a staunch lifelong Falkirk supporter”.

It added: “In the last six years he has worked tirelessly as a volunteer official to rebuild our structures, turning round our finances and restoring our reputation as a top provincial and community football club.

“He has led with great integrity, displaying total loyalty and commitment to the club and to those with whom he worked.”

Mr Bateman was a prominent figure behind-the-scenes at the Bairns and was to absorb many of the duties of Football Development Manager Creag Robertson, who left in July, as well as boardroom and CEO responsibilities.

His departure means Falkirk’s director numbers have dropped from eight to five since the end of last season.

The resignations of Mr McIntyre and Mr Liddell mean only two of the club’s major shareholders’ group remain on the board – Lex Miller and Martin Ritchie.