SAINTS chairman Henrik Kraft has decided to step down from his position with Sport Republic's majority shareholder Dragan Solak taking on the role.

Kraft has overseen the club's operations since January 2022 and will remain a shareholder and on the board of owners Sport Republic.

Commenting on the change, Solak said: “I would like to thank Henrik for the dedication and passion he has invested in his role.

“Whilst I am pleased with many aspects of the club’s management, I am deeply disappointed with the football results this season.

"We will be strengthening our football management team in the near future, and we will share details of that as soon as things are confirmed.
 
“Our aim at the start of the season was to stay in the Premier League, and I know our fans share in my frustration at how this season has gone so far.

"I ask everyone to continue supporting the club with as much passion and dedication as they have shown all season as we navigate the rest of the season together.”

Work has already been done on making a football leadership appointment to help the Saints, and the club is hopeful that all will come to fruition.

There is space within the existing structure for new ideas, which currently sees Mark Bitcon serve as director of football operations.

Solak was named chairman of Sport Republic, as well as sitting on the board at Saints, since the investment firm acquired the club over three years ago.

Sport Republic CEO Rasmus Ankersen is also named on the board, alongside Saints CEO Phil Parsons and director appointed by Katharina Liebherr, Ralf Bogli.

Andy Young is also listed as an independent director, having been named following the club's relegation from the Premier League in 2023.