Runcorn Linnets have announced the result of this year's Trust Board election.

All seven nominees for the nine vacancies were successful without the need for a vote.

Five directors, who had been seeking re-electon, have returned for a further term while two former Board Members are back for second spells.

Applications were submitted by the following:

Ste Bignall (nominated by Derek Greenwood and Stuart White).

Peter Cartledge (nominated by Jeff Jago and Josh Christian).

Josh Christian (nominated by Dave Jones and Martin Holding).

Jeff Jago (nominated by Paul Eastup and Peter Cartledge).

Alan Jones (nominated by Darren Moore and James Peers).

Tracy Measor (nominated by Peter Urquhart and Kathy Greenhalgh).

Sam Phillips (nominated by Josh Christian and Gavin Speed).

When there are more vacancies than nominations, the club rules and election policy stipulate that all valid candidates are automatically elected.

The seven nominees therefore join on the Trust Board after the December 15th AGM of Runcorn Linnets FC Limited, alongside the three serving elected members who have another year in post – Bren Connolly, Paul Riley and Jack Walsh.

To ensure parity of numbers across the two election rotations, Board members will agree which two of the newly-elected directors will serve for one year, insread of the usual two, and therefore stand again next year.

The five current directors re-elected are chairman Peter Cartledge, community manager Josh Christian, vice-chairman Jeff Jago, club president Alan Jones and media manager Sam Phillips.

Ste Bignall and ex-club secretary Tracy Measor are the former Board members returning.

The external co-options of Paul Eastup, James Sidwell and Nick Woods to the Trust Board will be reviewed, as is customary, at the Board meeting in January.

Kel Hoose has resigned as an externally co-opted director and club treasurer but stays in an advisory role.

The Board has thanked Kel for his hard work and assistance in preparing latest club accounts for the year ended June 30th 2022, alongside club volunteer Karen Chaney from Linnets' finance team.

In addition to his vice-chairman role, Jeff Jago has assumed the position of treasurer.

The Board is meanwhile extremely sorry to report that its longest-serving elected member, Hedley Edwards has retired.

Following an absence due to ill health, Hedley decided not to stand for re-election in 2022.

He was the last of the original Trust Board members from the formation of the club in 2006 to remain in post.

Trust secretary, Dave Bettley said: "Hedley has done such excellent work, both as a former vice-chairman and director, and his presence in the Boardroom and around the club has been sorely missed since he was forced to scale down his involvement."

The Board has recognised and rewarded Hedley's sterling service over 16 years with the offer of a vice-presidency, which he has accepted.

The Board looks forward to Hedley returning to APEC Taxis Stadium once his recovery is complete and sends him very best wishes in the meantime.