Montrose FC today announces that after ten years of leading the club as Chairman, John Crawford will step down from this role at the end of the season.

John will continue to serve as a director and remain on the Board, thus helping to ensure continuity, and retaining the benefit of his extensive experience.

Current Director and CEO Peter Stuart will have the task of succeeding John and will step into the Chairman role following the last game of the season on May 2^nd.

Peter will be supported by Michael Fotheringham who will continue in his role as Vice-Chairman.

John has been a director of the club for 33 years, the last ten of those being as Chairman, and this decade of service has been one of the most successful and progressive periods in the club’s modern history.

Amongst John’s most significant contributions was the appointment of Manager Stewart Petrie, a decision that has shaped the club’s competitive identity and long‑term success. Over the years, John and Stewart have developed a deep and close working relationship built on trust, shared ambition, and a commitment to driving Montrose FC forward.

During John’s tenure, the club has enjoyed sustained on‑field achievement, including promotion into League 1, and to this day remain the most consistent team in the division with the club about to enter its ninth season in the third tier. This is a testament not only to John’s leadership but to the strength and diversity of the club’s Board of Directors. 

Peter has been a director of the club for the past 12 years, with five of those being as CEO, playing a central role in the club’s growth, particularly in regards to its operational and commercial aspects.

Speaking on the announcement, John Crawford said, “It has been the greatest privilege to serve as Chairman of Montrose FC. The past ten years have been extraordinary, and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together. Appointing Stewart was one of the most important decisions I made, and working closely with him has been a highlight of my time here. I look forward to continuing to support the club as a director and to seeing Peter lead us forward with the ambition and integrity that define Montrose FC.”

Manager Stewart Petrie added, “John has been an outstanding Chairman and a tremendous support to me personally since the day he brought me to the club. Our relationship has always been built on honesty, respect and a shared belief in what Montrose FC can achieve. I’m delighted he will remain on the Board, and I want to thank him for everything he has done for me, the players, and the wider club.”

Supporters Club Chairman Graham Christieson said, “John has always understood what Montrose FC means to its supporters. He has been open, approachable, and deeply committed to strengthening the bond between the club and the community. On behalf of the Supporters Club, I want to thank him for his leadership, his integrity, and the respect he has always shown our fans. We are pleased he will remain involved and continue to play a part in the club’s future.”

Incoming Chairman Peter Stuart said, “I have known John for over thirty years and have always known him as an ardent Montrose fan. This passion for the club has been reflected in his many years of service as a director and latterly as Chairman, and he will forever be remembered as the Chairman that helped lead us through those ten years of progress, improvement, and success.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him as a member of the Board, and I am excited and honoured to be leading the club into the next phase of our history as we approach our 150^th Anniversary.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to the Board for their support and look forward to working with them, as well as our Associate Directors, Management Team and Staff, as we face the many challenges that lie ahead, both on and off the pitch.”