David Sheepshanks has stepped down as Ipswich chairman and will be replaced in the role by club owner Marcus Evans.

Sheepshanks, who has been the chairman at Portman Road for 14 years, will continue as a non-executive director of the board.

Sheepshanks told www.itfc.co.uk: "The club have now entered a new era with Marcus Evans, Simon Clegg and Roy Keane at the helm and I feel it is the right time for me to step down as chairman of the club board.

"I am pleased Marcus will succeed me as he strives to get Ipswich Town back to the Premier League. My experience within football will be made available to the club and the board at all times."

Evans thanked Sheepshanks for his service to the club, and is pleased he will stay on in the roles of chairman of both Ipswich Town PLC and the club's Community Trust.

He added: "I would like to thank David for his help over the last 16 months since I became involved with the club and for his many years dedicated service.

"He has faced many challenges as chairman and assisted the club to great highs and equally, never shirked responsibility when faced with tougher times.

"I am delighted that he has agreed to continue as a director of the club, where he will continue to provide valuable advice to the board in relation to club and wider football matters."

A new era began at the club last month when Roy Keane replaced Jim Magilton, who fell victim to the Portman Road regime's top-flight aspirations after failing to lead them into the Coca-Cola Championship play-offs.

Magilton's dismissal followed a £12million spending spree, funded by Evans, but the investment failed to produce a concerted push for promotion as the Tractor Boys were consigned to mid-table and an eighth straight season in the second tier.