Crusaders chief executive leaves club

Correspondent

Celtic Crusaders chief executive David Thompson is to leave the Welsh engage Super League club after a brief transitional period.nnGeneral manager Mike Turner will take over day-to-day running of the club immediately with Thompson staying on to ensure a smooth handover.nnThe news comes just days before the Crusaders travel to Leeds Rhinos for their very first Super League game.nn“When I joined the Crusaders in 2006 my brief was to help the club win a licence and prepare for Super League,” said Thompson.nn“Now that the remainder of our overseas players have their visas and are in the country, I have fulfilled my role. I now have to honour previous personal and business commitments.nn“I have very much enjoyed my time at the club and feel privileged to have played a small role in helping the Crusaders and rugby league become established in Wales.nn“It has been a real pleasure working with everyone involved with the Crusaders and Wales Rugby League. My family and I are looking forward to supporting the club which I am sure will only go from strength to strength.”nnThe Crusaders’ preparations have already been difficult: eight players missed much of pre-season training due to visa problems, while the club’s only friendly at Harlequins was called off.