Reflecting on the announcement, United chairman David Newton told bufc.co.uk: "Mike has been with the club for a number of years and has done a terrific job in helping us move the club forward.

"Mike's role is varied and runs across most aspects of the club. During his time, he has helped guide the community programme and oversee the transfer of it to a charitable foundation which enables it to access a wider range of funding for the programme to continue to grow.

"He has also helped bring more structure to the football development side; oversee the education programme and he works with our safety officer to ensure matchdays run smoothly and safely.

"We will be very sorry to see Mike go but fully understand and support his reasons. He leaves the club with our sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future."

Mr Hardy added: "I fully intended to continue in my role as we moved into the new Community Stadium, but after a lot of thought and soul searching I have decided that I would not be able to commit to the increased time needed to carry out the role, particularly within the first year of operation.

"I had 'semi-retired' before taking the role and I now feel it is time to take more time off, pursue some of my interests and spend time with the family.

"I therefore felt that it was important to give the chairman as much notice as possible to enable a successor to be appointed ahead of the new season. I will of course continue to work on club matters, help bring the new stadium forward and hopefully have a reasonable handover period with my successor before I leave at the end of the current season.

"It has been an honour and pleasure to serve this great football club and I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers who have supported me during my time here.

"I wish the club all the best for what appears to be a very bright future."

The club will now start the process of searching for a new chief executive.