Osborne to leave Parramatta Eels

Under fire Parramatta Eels Chief Executive Paul Osborne is to leave his management role with the NRL club at Christmas.

Osborne made the announcement last night, saying his working relationship with major sponsor Pirtek is no longer tenable and was the major catalyst behind his decision.

On Monday, Osborne was cleared of any wrongdoing following an investigation into some of his business practices.

Osborne's resignation caps a difficult period for the club, which began when Pirtek Managing Director Glen Duncan (the Eels' major sponsor) relinquished his place on the Parramatta board last month.

Osborne told FoxSports that "the past month has been tough on myself and those close to me and I've had time to re-evaluate what is important.

"I realised I had missed enough of my kids football training sessions and school plays to last a lifetime."

Speaking before Osborne's resignation had been confirmed, Duncan told radio station 2GB that Osborne's departure would be a win for him and the club, stating "if that resignation's forthcoming, I am glad for the club.

"I am glad for the fans that my actions have obviously made the board look into the indiscretions that have been well publicised over the last few weeks."

Osborne was investigated for his role in negotiating staff, sponsorship and player contracts as well as his use of a company credit card.

While a complaint from a female staff member against Osborne had previously been upheld, the board on determined there were "insufficient grounds" for any further action to be taken regarding the matter.

Osborne concluded "I'd like to thank the club's board for the fair hearing it gave me in relation to the issues over the past month.

"While I remain pleased to have been cleared by the board's inquiry, I believe the time is right for me to move on."

Osborne replaced long-serving Denis Fitzgerald as Chief Executive in 2009.