Boardroom battle for Torquay club

Chris Roberts has been criticised by the supporters

A boardroom battle has broken out at Torquay United Football Club.

The Devon club is currently languishing at the foot of League Two and three of its directors have demanded the resignation of chairman Chris Roberts.

Melvyn Benney, Ian Hayman and Brian Palk - the longest serving directors of the club - said they would quit if he did not stand down immediately.

Mr Roberts said on the club's website he had no intention of leaving and accepted the directors' resignations.

It is thought the directors' concerns centre on the financial circumstances of the Gulls.

The gate has dropped by 1,100 over the past 10 games - costing the club about £150,000.

However Mr Roberts has insisted the repayments he has to make to former chairman Mike Bateson for purchasing the club remain on track.

In January, supporters said they had no confidence in the new chairman, who took over in October.