Football League Chairman Lord Mawhinney has written to clubs explaining his decision to stand down in March and thanking them for their support.

Following last week's announcement that he will stand down as Chairman of The Football League on 15th March 2010, Lord Mawhinney has written to The League's 72 member clubs outlining the reasons for his decision

In his letter to club chairmen and chief executives, Mawhinney writes: "I have told the Football League Board that the time has come for me to stand down as Chairman.

"On my appointment (01/01/03) the Board's private judgement was that I was unlikely to be willing to remain in post beyond about seven months. No one envisaged seven years.

"I am conscious that during my tenure about 70% of owners and Chairmen of our clubs have changed. A new generation of club leadership suggests that it could be time for new League leadership.

"Under League regulations, Board Members have to retire at age 70 though our custom and practice, as in the FA, is that this can happen at the end of the season in which the member turns 70. I will attain that age next July.

"My decision to stand down is not a "spur of the moment" decision. I have been discussing it with family and friends for some time."

Mawhinney also takes the opportunity to thank clubs for their support during his seven years in office.

"During my years I have enjoyed much support from clubs and the Board and am grateful to all of you. Together we have made good progress and I have enjoyed shaping a better League than the one I inherited. There will be other opportunities to reflect on the beneficial changes that have occurred.

"Thank you for the privilege of being allowed to lead and serve you. I look forward to maintaining that tradition over the next few months and hope my contact with clubs will not necessarily end when my appointment finishes."