Crawley director Ian Carter has hit out at the “lies and innuendos” that led to his wife Susan resigning from the club’s board.

Susan Carter has severed her ties with the club she helped rescue from the brink of financial ruin seven years ago after being subject to an alleged campaign of bullying and intimidation from a minority of fans.

The attacks on Carter on social media regarding the potential sale of the club added to her ongoing health problems and prompted her to transfer her shares to fellow director Matt Turner for a nominal fee.

Ian Carter said: “We have dedicated seven years to Crawley Town and without our financial support and hard work the club, without any doubt, would not have survived.

“The club today is unrecognisable from where it was seven years ago and the vast majority of supporters will appreciate that.

“However, recently a very small group of individuals have sought to bully and intimidate us by making completely false allegations and innuendos against us through the convenience of social media.

“Understandably this has caused Susan a lot of unnecessary stress at a time when she needs to be concentrating on her rehabilitation.

“Therefore, following a family conference at the weekend, it has been decided that it is time for Susan to put herself and her health ahead of the club.”

Carter has had a series of operations over the last two years and was dissuaded from stepping down from the board last year.

The board has now accepted her resignation after she underwent major surgery two weeks ago which will require up to 18 months of recuperation.

Ian Carter, who will remain a director for the immediate future, added: “As well as the financial cost, the time and effort given totally free of charge has been immeasurable but we don’t regret it.

“Susan would like to thank all of the club’s loyal fans for their support over the years and wishes the club and everyone at Crawley Town the very best for the future.”