In a statement yesterday, chairman Alison Archer said the decision had been made at a committee meeting on Thursday night and was effective immediately.

Mrs Archer said that the reasons behind the decision ``were many'' but would not be disclosed.

``All I can say is that the decision was not made lightly,'' she said.

``On legal advice, the club will not be making any further comment.''

Mrs Archer confirmed that the decision was not unanimous and that one committeeman, Ron Riley, had since resigned and another, trainer Graeme McCulloch, had walked out of the meeting and indicated that he also would be resigning.

Mr Biffin has been with the TTC for more than 20 years, most of them as chief executive.

He is also a partner in the catering business at Mowbray.

A close associate said that Mr Biffin would be seeking legal advice.