THE Trust Board of Runcorn Linnets have announced that Mark Buckley has resigned as chairman and stepped down from the board for personal reasons.

Buckley had been a board since 2009 and was appointed chairman in 2017 after a spell as vice-chairman.

A Statement from Linnets read: "The board wishes to place on record its appreciation of Mark's immense contribution in just short of a decade's involvement with the club.

"His wide-ranging duties, apart from the chairmanship, have included programme editor, pitch maintenance and public address announcer.

"With typical, 100% commitment, Mark steered the Linnets' off-field team through their most successful season on the field, culminating in Premier Division title success in The Hallmark Security League and promotion to The EVO-STIK League West Division.

"While thanking Mark and looking forward to his continued support of the club, the Trust Board is sorry he has chosen to step down but respects his decision and wishes him well."

Vice-chairman Paul Eastup will assume the role of interim chairman while the board further discusses the appointment of the new club chairman.