The Trust Board of Runcorn Linnets has elected Mike Bignall as club chairman in succession to Mark Buckley, who resigned recently for personal reasons.

At the same time, Jon Urquhart becomes vice-chairman with both being voted in unopposed to take up their positions immediately.

As deputy chair, Bignall takes over from Paul Eastup, who has chosen to stand down because of business commitments. Paul will, however, stay on the board to continue his work in the Trust club's finance team, alongside other duties.

New chairman Bignall, 44, works as a compliance monitor for a leading mobile communications company and became a Trust Board member at fan-owned Linnets 19 months ago.

Since successfully standing for election at the December 2016 AGM, he has taken a keen interest and a full and active role in the operational side of the club.

He has co-ordinated new sponsorship opportunities, attracting new partners, and is also the licensee at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Bignall said of his appointment and ambitions for the future of the club: "It's with mixed emotions I take on the role of chairman. 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.

"But I can't wait to start working with Jon and the rest of the board, and of course the management team, players and supporters. We have an amazing club and a lot to look forward to."

Urquhart, 41, has been a lifelong supporter of the Linnets and is employed as a manager in the warehousing industry.

He was co-opted earlier this year for a second spell as a Trust Board member.

Jon believes that exciting times lie ahead for the club after Hallmark Security League title success for the first team in 2017-18 and with it, promotion to the EVO-STIK League.

"Continuing the hard work and endeavour that Mark and Paul put in is not going to be an easy task, but it is a challenge that I am really looking forward to getting my teeth into, alongside the new chairman Mike, who I have known personally for a long time.

"Hopefully we can work together to bring continued success to the club, both on and off the pitch."

Urquhart has already filled a variety of roles at Linnets and will continue as kit manager for the club's first team.