This is the latest step for the soccer club as it seeks to reinforce its long-term survival as a National Premier Leagues Victoria entity.

The Courier understands Smith made the decision based on criticism directed at both himself and the club after a crisis meeting, which he instigated, at Morshead Park on April 30 as an open forum for key stakeholders, players and supporters to best move the club forward.

Central to the club’s issues raised at the meeting was governance structure, particularly since the city’s marquee team moved from Football Federation Victoria state league two into the newly created NPLV last year.

Fellow long-time Reds clubman Tony Spurgo has stepped up as club president to oversee the club restructure.

Reds committee member Stan Burns, who chaired the crisis meeting, said there had been no bad blood between Smith and the club in parting.

Burns said Smith made the selfless decision in the best interests of the club, not wanting to hold the club back by the criticism he had – fairly or not – drawn.

Smith was instrumental in securing the Reds an NPLV licence and working tirelessly to lobby for upgrades and a stadium at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility.

He created and led the Back the Bid Ballarat campaign that successfully attracted the Bahrain international team to this city for a training base ahead of the Asian Cup earlier this year.

The Reds’ board made clear in the open forum it must stand on its own feet financially, having relied on Smith as benefactor and key sponsor negotiator for more than 20 years.

Burns said Smith was likely to remain involved with the club in a reduced capacity, after taking a break to concentrate on other business interests.