The American, son of co-owner Tom Hicks, became embroiled in controversy yesterday when it emerged he had responded abusively when one supporter contacted him directly about the state of the club and their finances.

Having initially called the fan an "idiot", Hicks Jr reportedly then sent a second e-mail saying: "Blow me f*** face. Go to Hell. I'm sick of you."

Hicks Jr subsequently apologised but he has now quit the club.

The Spirit of Shankly fans' group, who are committed to the removal of American co-owners Hicks Sr and George Gillett, had called for Hicks Jr to resign yesterday.

However, with his father as co-owner it appeared there would be little pressure from the top to do so.

Hicks Jr was seen as a key player on Anfield's finely-balanced board - comprised of Hicks and his father, Gillett and his son Foster and managing director Christian Purslow.

However, at the same time Liverpool announced his departure they revealed a re-structuring of the boardroom of both the club and Kop Holdings.

Casey Coffman, executive vice-president of Hicks Holdings, is the man brought in to replace Hicks Jr while Liverpool's chief financial officer Philip Nash and the club's commercial director Ian Ayre are have also both been elected to both companies.

Purslow, Nash and Ayre have played increasingly important roles in the last few months as they work towards putting the club on a healthier financial footing.

That has already led to the signing of a new shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank worth around £80million.

One of Purslow's priorities since taking over from Rick Parry in June last year has been to find new investment in the club as they seek to get the funding in place to build a new stadium.

Hicks Jr had no real input into decision-making at the club on a daily basis and so his departure will not affect on-going plans.

A club statement said: "Liverpool Football Club today announce that Thomas Hicks Jr has resigned as a director of both the club and its parent company Kop Holdings.

"Three new directors have been elected to the boards of both companies.

"These are Philip Nash, LFC chief financial officer, Ian Ayre, LFC commercial director and Casey Coffman, executive vice-president of Hicks Holdings."