Gordon Taylor will stand down as PFA chief executive at the end of the season

Gordon Taylor will stand down as chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association at the end of the season after 40 years in the role.

Taylor, 75, had announced last year he would step down once an independent review of the organisation was complete and he has now outlined his departure date in a letter to union members.

The PFA has been criticised in recent weeks over its record on supporting players suffering from dementia, in the wake of Nobby Stiles’ death and Sir Bobby Charlton’s diagnosis with the condition.

Gordon Taylor, 75, will stand down as chief executive of the PFA at the end of the season

Key recommendations from the Sport Resolutions review into the PFA, which, according to the Daily Telegraph backs a major overhaul of the organisation, have been outlined in a letter to be sent to members on Wednesday afternoon.

Taylor has been criticised over a variety of issues – including his salary of more than £2million a year – and a perceived slow response to researching the links between dementia and heading a ball. 

In the letter, Taylor wrote: ‘As I announced at the previous AGM, now that the independent review process is completed, I too will stand down by the end of the current season.

‘The new chief executive will be elected following the recruitment procedures recommended by the independent review.

‘We have already made substantial progress in that direction.’

More to follow.