Ellison in after Dunn departs
ATURBULENT few days at Runcorn Linnets which started with the departure of long-serving manager Joey Dunn has concluded with the appointment of former club captain Michael Ellison as his successor at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
The club announced Dunn had chosen to leave his position on Tuesday morning after the role of manager had “ultimately taken its toll”.
The decision came on the back of three consecutive runners-up finishes in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division after the Linnets failed to achieve promotion to the EvoStik League First Division North.
Ellison announced his retirement from football at the end of last season after serving as Linnets skipper for most of his 200 club appearances.
The former midfielder joined Linnets from Winsford United in 2011 and was an integral part of Dunn’s squad.
As captain, he led the side to the club’s first trophy – the League Challenge Cup and was voted as Players’ Player of the Year and Supporters’ Club Player of the Year in the 2012-13 season.
It is clear Ellison has the respect of his players and the experience on the pitch, and he says he is hoping to take those skills into his management.
“I understand what the club is all about,” said Ellison.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been given the opportunity to manage Runcorn Linnets, a club very dear to my heart. I know the expectations will be high, but with a good nucleus of established players, coupled with new signings, we have the ingredients to compete. The fans at Runcorn Linnets have always been supportive and appreciative during my time as a player and I know I can count on their backing now that I have taken on this role. There is still work to be done but I look forward to taking charge for the first time.”
The new manager also had a lot of praise for his former boss and admitted Dunn’s departure will be a loss.
“I have a hard act to follow, having worked closely with Joey Dunn, I know I can draw on the experiences I have learned from him and in many ways we share similar football ideas. I was made up to receive Joey’s blessing – it’s great to know he’s on the end of the phone if I need him and I’m thankful for that offer!”
It’s not all changing at the Linnets and Ellison has already revealed he would like to work alongside current assistant manager Stuart Humphreys.
Humphreys was an important part of Dunn’s managerial reign and worked with Ellison during his time as the club captain.
Ellison said: “I felt it essential that Stuart Humphreys should continue the great work he has done as assistant manager at the club.
“He will have an important role and input as we move forward.”
The club had their first pre-season game of the season planned for Tuesday against Stalybridge Celtic but it was postponed due to the managerial changes.
Ellison is believed to be starting his role as the Linnets manager immediately and is expected to be in charge of the team’s preseason friendly at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday.
Their first competitive game is in an FA Cup match against Hemsworth MW on August 6.
Speaking following his decision to leave Linnets, Dunn said: “Early in the summer, we discussed my need for a break from the game. We looked at possible scenarios but ultimately I just felt the need for a complete break and the club accepted this.
“The role of a manager is all consuming and this ultimately has taken its toll. It would be easier for there to be a specific reason cited but there is not and I trust that you understand that for me to walk away from The Linnets, I am 100% convinced it is the right thing to do.
“It would be more damaging and wrong for me to stay in position. I have been immensely proud and honoured to serve as the manager of Runcorn Linnets and can say that the club are the best run I have ever been lucky to serve under.
“The board have been totally supportive in everything I have asked in my time here. I would wish to leave with only positives from my experiences here and will be eternally sad that I could not deliver the much sought after promotion, but I am confident that this will be achieved not too far in the future.”