Supporters have to respect Mark’s decision – Ellison
RUNCORN LINNETS manager Michael Ellison has called on fans to respect Mark Buckley’s decision after the popular chairman stepped down from the position.
Mike Bignall has replaced Buckley as Linnets prepare to enter their maiden campaign in the Evo-Stik League – see story on page 46.
Deputy chairman Paul Eastup also left the club to concentrate on his business commitments with Jon Urquhart taking over his position.
“It’s with mixed emotions I take on the role of chairman,” Bignall said. “Mark has done an amazing job to get the club this far over the last two years and I was saddened to see him step down. I can’t wait to start working with Jon and the rest of the board, and of course the management team, players and supporters.”
Ellison himself admitted he was “gutted” by Buckley’s departure and asserted that nonLeague football is a 24/7 commitment.
“We have an amazing club and a lot to look forward to,” he said.
“Our chairman stepped down for personal reasons. I think he had other commitments and has his own issues off the field. I’m gutted. It’s one of those things.
“It takes a lot of hours out of your day and it isn’t easy. He’s done lots for the club and has been there a long, long time.”
The manager – who guided Linnets to their first-ever promotion from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division last season – says fans must now support Buckley’s wishes.
“Hopefully we’ll see him back involved sooner rather than later but I think he needs a little break. It becomes a seven-day-a-week commitment and it’s tough. When you play you turn up and then go home. As a manager – or a chairman – you put the hours in.
“Things are now in the process of getting done and we’re going in the right direction. Bucko’s resignation was a shock but people have their own lives outside of football and we have to respect that.”
The draws for the opening rounds of the Emirates FA Cup and Buildbase FA Trophy have been made. ● Linnets will open their FA Cup campaign in the extra-preliminary round on Saturday, August 11 meaning the club’s competitive first-team season begins a week earlier than planned.
Runcorn will be away to Hallam with the winners hosting Maltby Main or Athersley Recreation in the preliminary round on Saturday, August 25.
The club’s first-time inclusion in the FA Trophy – the primary cup competition for clubs at Step 1 to Step 4 of the National League System – will begin with an extra-preliminary round tie.
Linnets will be at away to Atherton Collieries on Saturday, September 29 with Marske United ready to host the winners in the preliminary round on Saturday, October 13. ● Popular defender commits for another season at Runcorn Linnets – see page 48.