ST Albans City FC has been left surprised by the resignation of chairman Ian Ridley.

The national journalist publicly announced his departure from Clarence Park on Twitter this afternoon partly due to proposals to increase admission prices.

Ridley Tweeted: “Sadly (for me anyway) I feel I have to resign as chairman of @stalbanscityfc and will be stepping down from today.

“Am unable to agree/implement the @stalbanscityfc owners proposal, agreed by other board members, for 20% admission price rise in mid-season.

“Would just like to thank @stalbanscityfc for the opportunity to serve and to wish the club well for the future.

“Remain convinced that @Owsy5 and talented squad can get @stalbanscityfc promoted this year, even on reduced budget, if people hold nerve.”

In response the following club statement has been released.

“It is with much surprise and great regret that Ian Ridley tendered his resignation as chairman of St Albans City FC on Monday evening.

“The directors and shareholders of the club are committed to building a sustainable and successful football club and footballing experience for the St Albans District and surrounding community.

“Ian is an outstanding sports writer and, with his in-depth knowledge of the game, he has been instrumental in rebuilding the football club over the last 18 months.

“Thank you Ian, we wish you every success for the future.

“The club vice-chairman, Nick Archer, will take on the role of interim-chairman for the foreseeable future.”

Ridley was appointed Saints’ chairman in the summer of 2011 after Lawrence Levy and John McGowan became joint owners of the club buying it from John Gibson.

Under the new regime, David Howell was brought in from Ryman League Harrow Borough as first team boss.

The side finished just outside the Evo-Stik League Southern Premier Division play-off places in the 2011/12 campaign and set their sights on promotion this season.

City are currently sixth in the table with 24 points from 16 games.