ATTEMPTS by the Wiltshire Times to clarify the position of Wiltshire FA county secretary Mike Benson were met with silence this week after it was revealed the 78-year-old was away from his post.
Benson insisted he had been on “self-imposed suspended leave” citing job pressures, but clarification of his role and who is attending to the FA’s day-to-day business is still shrouded in mystery.
The Wiltshire Times contacted county officials, including chairman Richard Gardiner and president Terry Gregory, but none were available or would comment, while the national FA insisted it was a “matter for the county association.’’
Benson said: “I have been on suspended leave imposed by myself. I spoke to my chairman and he advised me to take some time off. It is a pressurised job and it takes it out of you.
“I have been stressed with the job for years now and my doctor also advised me to take time off. I am hoping to be back soon.”
Officials of county leagues have also been unable to establish when and if Benson is likely to return.
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