ANDY Marinos (pictured) resigned after less than a year as chief executive of Newport Gwent Dragons and will officially leave his post at the end of May.

Speculation has been mounting for some weeks that the South-African born former Wales international centre was set to leave the Gwent region.

It is understood he wasn't involved in the February decision not to extend the contract of coach Chris Anderson, who he was instrumental in appointing at the start of the season as successor to Mike Ruddock.

And it is also understood negotiations to appoint Anderson's successor, likely to be confirmed soon as Harlequins backs coach and former Newport and Wales outside half Paul Turner, have not involved him either.

Dragons officials would not comment yesterday while Marinos himself was not available to add to the statement he issued.

Club spokeswoman Kathryn McCarthy said: "Nobody at the club will be making any comment on the matter at this stage and Andy will not be adding to his statement."

In his statement Marinos says: "Recent events at Rodney Parade have forced me to consider my future here with the Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport RFC.

"While still retaining a wish to play a role in driving the region forward, I feel I have to look after the best interests of my family.

"I have therefore decided to resign as chief executive of the Dragons, Newport RFC and its holding company Rodney Parade Ltd.

"My family and I have had a tremendous six years with firstly Newport and then the Dragons and living in South Wales.

"However, I now feel that the time is right to return to South Africa and look to explore other opportunities, hopefully within rugby.

"I would wish to thank the players, directors, staff, supporters and sponsors who have supported me throughout my time here and especially in my last year as CEO.

"A special thanks also goes to Tony Brown who facilitated my move to Newport in the first place.

"While the transition to regionalisation has not always been smooth, the region has finished third and fourth respectively in the last two seasons while last year Newport won the Welsh Premiership and this year look to finish second.

"I sincerely hope by putting financial and procedural policies in place and presenting a balanced budget for the 2005-2006 season whoever takes over will, with the present directors, players and staff, continue to be able to take the region and club forward.

"I wish them and both teams at Rodney Parade every success for the future."

Marinos' departure will come as no surprise to Argus readers as it was predicted by Argus Sport over a fortnight ago that he would be next to leave the region following our exclusive story of fellow South African Percy Montgomery's intention to leave.

However, with the departure at the end of the season of the pair and benefactor Tony Brown, it leaves the Dragons in temporary state of upheaval.

Their loss is likely to mean the end of the Dragons' and Newport's links with South Africa.

Brown was instrumental in bringing both players to Gwent, as well as the great Gary Teichmann and top coach Ian McIntosh.