Barnsley have announced that owner Patrick Cryne will step down from his post at the club having been diagnosed with cancer.

The 65-year-old took over at Oakwell in 2004 and has enjoyed 12 debt-free years as the club's owner.

However, he will now focus on fighting the disease, prompting a reshuffle of the board.

"Today, the Cryne family informed the club that Patrick is suffering from cancer," read a statement on the club's official website.

"He will withdraw from any involvement with the football club for the foreseeable future while he receives treatment. The family's lawyer continues to hold the Barnsley FC shares in trust. All at Barnsley FC wish Patrick a full recovery.

"Linton Brown has been appointed chief executive of the Barnsley FC board with immediate effect. Robert Zuk will be appointed to the board as finance director in due course. Barnsley FC operates a policy of complete transparency with regard to ownership and governance matters, hence this statement."

Barnsley currently sit 13th in the Championship table, five points adrift of the playoff places.