Sunderland FC's chief executive Margaret Byrne has resigned in the wake of the Adam Johnson child abuse case, saying her part in the decision to allow Johnson to continue playing for the club while he faced charges was a "serious mistake".
Disgraced footballer Adam Johnson will be sentenced on March 24 for sexual activity with a child.
The former England player admitted kissing the girl in his car and grooming her with hundreds of social media messages.
Johnson has already been warned to expect to receive a substantial prison sentence.
Judge Jonathan Rose said his preliminary view was that the offences fall into the category of a five-year prison sentence with a possible range of four to 10 years.
When he was given bail on March 2, Johnson was told: "You can say goodbye to your daughter. A prison sentence will mean you will not see her for some time."
Sunderland FC's chief executive Margaret Byrne has apologised for the "serious error of judgement" after the Adam Johnson child abuse case.
Sunderland chief executive Margaret Byrne has resigned from her role following the convictions of Adam Johnson.