Ryan writes off loans in final duty to his beloved Doncaster

The charismatic former Rovers chairman, who presided over the most glorious chapter in the club’s history, has also written off loans worth around £4m to formally sever his Rovers’ links.

In a statement, Cheshire-based Ryan said: “I am very proud of my 15 years as chairman.

“First saving the club from oblivion and fulfilling my four promises, namely: returning the football club to the league, building a new stadium, getting to a major cup final and returning the club to the second tier.

“The standout moments for me were beating Leeds United at Wembley, Bristol Rovers at the Millennium and beating Manchester City and Aston Villa before going out to Arsenal on penalties in the League Cup. Brentford wasn’t bad either.

“Four promotions, one cup and one relegation in ten years will always be a golden decade for Rovers.

“I have handed my shares and loans back to the club I love and know Terry (Bramall) and Dick (Watson) will do a splendid job.

“They have both put considerable amounts of money into the club and it’s now up to the fans to back them to the hilt.

“I have supported the club since 1958 and only wish it success for the future. I ask the fans to be patient and thank them for their brilliant support I received over my years as chairman.”

Ryan stepped down as chairman and director of Rovers back in November 2013 after a fall-out with fellow major shareholder Bramall about the future direction of the club.

But last summer, Ryan and One Direction pop star Louis Tomlinson brokered a multi-million pound takeover of Rovers to purchase the shares of major shareholders Bramall and Watson, only for the deal to dramatically fall through at the 11th hour.