Michael Ellison returns as Linnets boss after shock resignation of Brad Cooke

Runcorn Linnets have welcomed back Michael Ellison as manager. Ello masterminded our 2017-18 title success which saw us promoted from the North West Counties League to the NPL.

Runcorn Linnets have gone back to the future with the appointment of our former title-winning manager Michael Ellison as boss after a whirlwind 24 hours.

This follows the surprise resignation of Brad Cooke in the wake of New Year's 5-0 home defeat by Witton Albion.

Club legend Ello rejoins the Linnets after a gap of five and a half years.

In his first Runcorn spell, he evolved from player and captain to manager with the height of achievement being the lifting of the North West Counties League Premier Division title in 2017-18.

With 187 games already under his belt Ello has taken charge of more Linnets matches than any other boss.

He esumes with 107 wins and 33 draws.

Ello had first been appointed as Runcorn boss in summer 2016 on the resignation of Joey Dunn and having announced his playing retirement at the end of 2015-16.

He won the NWCL title in only his second managerial campaign.

Last season, Ello landed his second championship by leading Widnes to the NPL West Division crown.

Ello's NWCL title success with Linnets followed runners-up finishes under Joey Dunn in three of the previous four seasons.

He had been involved and instrumenal in the hat-trick of second places as a player and captain before achieving a highly-creditable fourth spot in his first campaign as boss.

He subsequently steered Runcorn through our first two seasons as a Step 4 club.

We finished sixth in 2018-19, narrowly missing out on the play-offs, while 2019-20 was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A defensive midfield player, Ello initially joined Linnets from Winsford United as a player.

His debut in August 2011 was the first of 212 appearances in the Yellow & Green,these bringing two cherished goals.

Ello is one of half a dozen to have completed the double century at Runcorn.

Only Matt Atherton, Kyle Hamid and current vice-captain Peter Wylie have played more Linnets games.

Ello has been out of management since resigning from Widnes, shortly before their withdrawal from the National League System after winning the championship.

The returning manager will inherit a Linnets squad, including three of his Widnes title winners - Matty Rain, Sean Miller and James Steele.

Ello will also rejoin our now first-team coach Lee Bignell, part of his backroom staff at DCBL Stadium, as he looks to build on the excellent work of Brad Cooke and assistant Rob Sadler, who has also stepped down from his duties at Linnets.

Brad and Rob had overseen 51 games with 28 wins, 11 draws and 12 defeats.

They had rescued a potentially calamitous 2024-25 season, within four months of taking charge in February last year lifting our first Cheshire Senior Cup honour.

In a statement on behalf of himself and assistant Rob Sadler, Brad Cooke said that his spell at Runcorn had restored his faith in the game.

But the Witton defeat had led him to believe that he had taken the squad as far as he could and that both the timing of his departure and current league position were favourable for his successor to build on.

Brad added the return of Michael Ellison ensures that the club is in the right hands.

Brad's full resignation statement is as follows:

"I would like to thank Pete and Jeff for giving me and Rob the opportunity to manage this incredible football club.

Yesterday was a real low point and a performance that is really difficult to accept but I don’t want that to tarnish the work that’s gone into getting to this point.

When we walked through the door, our ambition was to bring success and the good times back to Runcorn and we feel that has been achieved.

But in order to take this group to the next level, we feel a change is required.

That’s the focus for me, and the change in manager with the club in a healthy position in the league feels the right decision for all involved.

The club has to capitalise on recent success.

The new appointment gives me comfort, knowing that the club is in good hands and will be managed by a brilliant man

Winning the Cheshire Senior Cup, the record-breaking FA Cup run and the push for the play-offs has been brilliant.

But working with and for good people has been the biggest highlight. It's restored my faith in football, in a world full of ego and misinformation, Runcorn leads the way in honesty and hard work.

I appreciate every single one of you that put time and effort into the club for little to no rewards, the unseen hero’s!!

I’m sure you will get the success you deserve.

To the players, past and present, however big or small, thanks for your contribution and efforts.

Finally to the fans, quite simply thank you.

You are the best about by some distance. Your support has been unwavering, and your love for your football club is unmatched.

Keep being loud and proud, and keep the Murdishaw massive on their toes 💛💚

Thanks again, and good luck for the future 🤝"

Catch Michael Ellison's first interview since returning as boss.