WARRINGTON Wolves boss Andy Gatcliffe has announced he is leaving the club after 15 years in charge.

The chief executive joined the Wolves during one its most turbulent times and has been in charge for an almost unprecedented period of success.

He has taken up a position at a new business and will leave at the end of January.

Andy said: “While it is sad to be leaving the club, I take with me so many very special memories from my time as chief executive, having led a truly professional team of people who have pulled together for the good of the club.

“I am extremely proud of what we have all achieved and for the genuine respect gained from all our commercial and community partners.

A special mention must be given to Warrington Borough Council who throughout my time have been consistent supporters, assisting in our becoming a ‘leading template sports club’.

“The club will continue to develop and will go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Professor Steven Broomhead, chairman of Warrington Wolves, commented: “ Andy has , in the past 15 years, been a relentless, passionate advocate for the Wolves and rugby league development in the town.

"He has been a great sporting entrepreneur and we have moved from being an ailing club in the 1990s to a major force in the world of rugby league.

"Andy has made a really significant contribution to this and he will be greatly missed, as he moves on to an exciting new set of challenges in the commercial sector.

"The club will shortly be making arrangements for Andy’s successor.”

Club owner Simon Moran added: "I would personally like to thank Andy for his tremendous efforts and achievements over the last 15 years with the club; the very difficult time in the first few years at Wilderspool and then being instrumental in seeing the new stadium become a reality should be hugely appreciated by all Warrington supporters.”

His period in charge has included the move to The Halliwell Jones Stadium in 2004 from old home Wilderspool, and the expansion of the ground in 2012 to its current 15,000 capacity.

The Wolves have also signed the biggest shirt sponsor deal in its history with airline giant Emirates and won three Challenge Cup and been in two Super League Grand Finals.

The stadium won a bid to host two games at last year's Rugby League World Cup and it has also been home to Championship finals days and an Australia v New Zealand test match.

The search for a replacement will begin shortly and will be advertised.