Max Griggs has revealed his intention to step down as chairman of Rushden & Diamonds.
And the multi-millionaire, who took charge when Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds merged in 1992, insists he is prepared to give the club away for free.
"I am not looking for any financial gain," he said in a statement on the official Rushden website.
"I would be happy to pass the Rushden & Diamonds Football Club to the right person for nothing.
"It is with much regret than I have made this decision but, having reached the age of 65, I feel that the time is right for someone else to take the club forward and provide the necessary support to maintain Football League status in the future."
Griggs, the owner of footwear giants Dr Martens, has overseen Rushden's climb from the Southern League Midland Division to the Second Division of the Nationwide League.
He added: "When we set out in 1992 my intention was to give something back to the local community, and to achieve League Football for the area. In these two areas I have fulfilled my ambitions, and I am very proud of the club and all the people who have helped the club make such fantastic progress."
And the multi-millionaire, who took charge when Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds merged in 1992, insists he is prepared to give the club away for free.
"I am not looking for any financial gain," he said in a statement on the official Rushden website.
"I would be happy to pass the Rushden & Diamonds Football Club to the right person for nothing.
"It is with much regret than I have made this decision but, having reached the age of 65, I feel that the time is right for someone else to take the club forward and provide the necessary support to maintain Football League status in the future."
Griggs, the owner of footwear giants Dr Martens, has overseen Rushden's climb from the Southern League Midland Division to the Second Division of the Nationwide League.
He added: "When we set out in 1992 my intention was to give something back to the local community, and to achieve League Football for the area. In these two areas I have fulfilled my ambitions, and I am very proud of the club and all the people who have helped the club make such fantastic progress."