I had to stay for this squad - Ellison
RUNCORN Linnets boss Michael Ellison says the squad he has built at the Millbank was one of the main reasons he withdrew his resignation from the club.
Ellison shocked both supporters and club officials when he decided to quit following Hallmark Security Premier Division success last season – but made a dramatic U-turn on his decision just several days later.
With Linnets now building towards a maiden season in the Evo-Stik West, Ellison revealed keeping his group of players together was a major motivation in his decision to return.
“We’ve kept almost everybody this summer,” he said. “We lost Stuart Wellstead to a player-coach role which I’m disappointed over, but it’s a great opportunity for him.
“Matty Atherton has also gone on to a coaching role as he’s at an age where he’s ● thinking about the next chapter, so all you can do is wish them the best. If there’s anything I can do personally to help them I will do.
“They’ve been great for us but the nucleus of the squad has stayed, which I’m really happy about. That was important.
“That was one of the main reasons I withdrew my resignation because I knew that the squad would split up.
“It would have been a shame but the majority of people have stayed so it’s really positive and I’m happy.”
Linnets began their pre-season preparations with a 5-3 friendly defeat to Chester last weekend.
But Linnets were handed a further boost after the game with the return of teenage midfielder Kasie Jones. The player returns for their debut Evo-Stik campaign after appearing for the club several times last season.
On Tuesday night, for the second time in four days, Linnets were beaten when entertaining a side from the National League North, 3-2 by Ashton United.
An Ashton forward was brought down by Danny O’Brien for a penalty, which was coolly converted.
Thereafter, though, Linnets took charge of play and what little there was to choose between the teams favoured the home side.
The Linnets started with four trialists. The No.9 had a couple of opportunities to impress, which he spurned. But then, in the 25th minute, he powered home a close-range effort following a good team move.
In the 51st minute, another collective defensive error resulted in a gift of a goal for Ashton.
More defensive frailty yielded another giltedged chance, which the clinical Ashton forwards took advantage of.
Freddie Potter entered the fray in the second half and added a second for Linnets with a well-placed shot from just inside the Ashton penalty area.
The Linnets defence is taking time to form an understanding. Once that falls into place, there has been plenty of promise to take away from the first two friendlies against strong opposition.