Three directors of the Southampton Football Club have resigned after a proposed takeover of the club fell through.

Chief executive Jim Hone, chair Ken Dulieu and commercial director Andy Oldknow all resigned following the failed talks with SISU Capital, headed by former footballer Ray Ranson.

The Southampton board, including the three directors, had backed a takeover, but the plans were opposed by some of the club’s major shareholders.

Following a long period of negotiations, the talks were finally terminated after SISU decided to buy Coventry FC instead.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the club said: “The chair and the departing executives were unanimously of the opinion that SISU’s investment proposals offered the prospect of a strong future for the club.

“Since there is obviously a major difference of opinion between them and certain shareholders concerning the appropriate way forward, the three do not wish to be a barrier to whatever those shareholders now envisage for Southampton Football Club.”