Nick Higgs has succeeded Ron Craig as chairman of League One outfit Bristol Rovers after the latter decided to step down from his post.Craig, who replaced Geoff Dunford in the post in April 2006, will remain on the board at the Memorial Stadium as a director.

"There are now younger people on the board of Bristol Rovers, highly experienced in business, who deserve to be given the chance to determine and lead the future direction of the club," said Craig in a statement issued on the club's official website. "I wish Nick every success in his new role and I hope the club will move along to greater heights.

"I am certain the expertise we now have on the board will stand us in good stead, particularly as we deal with the complexities of developing a new stadium.

"I leave the chair with the club in a healthy state, with high expectation and a team capable of gaining promotion sooner rather than later.

"I would like to thank the members of the board and the fans for giving me the honour and privilege of serving as chairman. I would also like to thank the management and staff at the club. This has been the highlight of my football life and something I will never forget."

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