Bratley has been an influential behind-the-scenes figure during the past two-and-a-half-years working as commercial director and co-promoter alongside owner Colin Horton.

Bratley called time on his involvement yesterday after the club took what he felt was the wrong route forward.

He acted hours after a takeover bid for the club was knocked back by Horton.

Related: Panthers are in crisis after takeover fails

'We will survive' pledges Panthers supremo Horton
---------------------------

Bratley said: "I have been unhappy with the way the club has been run for the last year.

"In recent weeks the club has reached a crossroads when it could have gone down one of two routes.

"Colin chose the one that I did not want to go down, hence my decision to step down.

"There was a party very interested in the club and I believe a fair offer was made, but Colin turned it down.

"I think that was the wrong decision because I really feel the club could have prospered under this party.

"All I have always wanted is the best for the club, but I don't think the choice which has been made is that."

Bratley has resisted the temptation to air any 'dirty laundry' in the public domain despite dropping clear hints that the relationship between him and Horton has become strained over the past few weeks.

Bratley admits that the pair have rarely spoken of late, but prefers to concentrate on the positive contribution he has made to the club.

"I have found it increasingly hard to undertake the role of promoting the club in light of the fact the owner has barely uttered three words to me in the last five weeks," added Bratley.

"The last time Colin and myself spoke in any length was after the home meeting against Swindon last month.

"I have no idea why it has turned out like this, but I am sure Colin has his reasons why he doesn't want to speak to me.

"But there is no airing of dirty laundry at all because that is not what is best for myself or the club.

"I just prefer to look back on the happy times and the achievements in recent years - like in 2006 when we were given the greatest night in our history - and I would ask all the fans to do the same in the coming days and weeks.

"I am fiercely proud of what I have achieved during my time. When I took over the commercial side in 2006 there was no income from that area at all.

"We had programme advertisments and fence advertising that were just for show and the only actual sponsors were a plumber and a baker.

"In the two-and-a-half years since we have pulled in well in excess of six-figures in commercial sponsorship and now have a continuous rich vein of revenue coming in."

Bratley has immediately returned to his other role as manager to Hans Andersen.

"I will still be involved with Hans, acting as his manager and looking after his best interests," added Bratley.