Trust Board responds to chairman's departure decision with vote of thanks and appeal for support

The Trust Board has received notice of chairman Peter Cartledge's end-of-season resignation and issues this statement with sadness but also gratitude to Pete for his service over the last five years.

Everyone who knows and has worked with our chairman doesn't need to be told how much Runcorn Linnets means to him. Pete's workrate, commitment, dedication and professionalism are second to none.

We truly appreciate him letting us know in advance his intention to step down as this gives us time to regroup, knowing that in the meantime the club is in safe hands.

This will be a very testing period for Runcorn Linnets. The chairman and Board will need all possible support from our fans in the months ahead.

Losing the two most senior figures withn the club in such quick succession is a massive blow.

As a fans' club, we need to meet the challenge head on to ensure that the club continues the progress made under the leadership not only of Pete and deputy Jeff Jago, who announced his resignation yesterday, but their trusted predecessors.

With the Trust Board elections approaching, we are asking our Trust members to review their involvement and engagement with the club and consider how they can contribute more moving forward.

If you believe you have the appropriate skills, energy, enthusiasm and most of all the time to help, please put your name forward for the board or as a club volunteer.

Contunuity and succession will be crucial to ensuring that we emerge even stronger and more determined.