Castleford Tigers say it is business as usual despite the shock resignation of chief executive Steve Ferres.

Ferres, a former chief executive at York City Knights and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, quit with immediate effect today after just seven months in the post, citing differences with the club’s board over changes that he believes need to be made.

“As CEO I believe I have a moral obligation to everyone associated to the Tigers from its staff to the players and right through to its loyal fans,” said Ferres, who worked for the Rugby Football League’s club support unit before succeeding Richard Wright at Castleford in July.

“Since the board is not in a position to support the multitude of changes that I believe must take place now in order for Castleford to continue to compete at Super League level, I feel I have no option other than to offer my resignation.

“I am an extremely proud man and a proud Castleford man at that so please rest assured that this decision was not made lightly.

“The club requires significant investment in order to continue and I truly hope the board can secure the necessary financial support in the coming months.

“I have informed the board that I am willing to offer my support in an advisory capacity should it be required.”

Castleford chairman Jack Fulton said the vacancy would be advertised and in the meantime reaffirmed his financial commitment to the club.

In a statement Fulton said: “I would like to thank Steve for his efforts during his time at the club and wish him well for the future.

“For over 20 years I have supported this club financially to a substantial amount with the aim of keeping it going as a Super League club ready for the day when it can support itself.

“While disappointed by Steve’s resignation, this position remains unchanged.

“We look to the future and a real opportunity now exists for somebody new to come into the chief executive’s role and drive the club forward.”

Ferres has been involved in launching a new membership scheme at Castleford during his seven months at the club, with 4,000 fans signing up and season ticket sales also rising by 25%.

He hopes this will help the club to push ahead and develop further over coming years.

Ferres added: "I would like to thank the fans for their fantastic support and indeed the staff for their hard work in implementing the new membership scheme.

“It has brought in much needed revenue to the club and in doing so, provided a model which can and should be the catalyst to help sustain a viable business.”