 On 12 October 2006 Bateson sold his stake in the club to a consortium headed by Chris Roberts, ending 16 years at the club which had seen two promotions, two relegations and numerous scrapes with relegation from the Football League to the Conference.With the deal to be completed over a four-year period, Bateston retained his position as majority shareholder, though stepped away from the club.However, Roberts resigned on 21 February 2007 amid growing criticism from all quarters.