LINNETS chairman Dave Robertson is poised to announce the arrival of three new directors as the club bids to bounce back from relegation.
Tomorrow he expects to finalise a deal with Ted Mercer, the owner of Prescot Cables' Valerie Park, to share the ground next season while the club investigates the longer-term possibilities of a return to Runcorn.
'Subject to confirmation on Friday, it's is a very welcome agreement and it's a very fair price. It's one we can live with,' said the chairman.
Dr Robertson has set in place a 'three Rs' policy at the club - regrouping, refinancing and redevelopment - and isn't anticipating any difficulties with rejoining the UniBond League Premier Division.
'We are negotiating our return with league officials to make sure that everything is fine,' he said.
'Both Prescot and ourselves are in the same league and there shouldn't be a problem with the fixtures.'
The new directors' identities have not yet been revealed. Dr Robertson added: 'Each new director is required as a minimum requirement to buy £1,000 worth of shares and generate another £5,000 either in effort or cash during the season.
'But what they are also bringing is enthusiasm, ideas and commitment to see the club succeed. It has often been very lonely in my position.'
The communication issue at the club reared its head last week when boss Steve Soley said he had been unable to contact Dr Robertson.
But the chairman said yesterday: 'After the game against Lancaster, I asked Steve Soley and (assistant) Steve Carragher if they could work together on a programme for the club for the close season and gave them an estimate of the budget.
'With the position we were in after the last season, with dropping out of the league on top of all the financial problems, uncertainty and grief, it takes a while to bounce back.
'It is three weeks since the last game and I have been running around quite a lot looking for new initiatives and ideas.
'I have had several conversations with Steve Carragher and have left a couple of messages with Steve Soley with a view to meeting this week.
'I have had some feedback from Steve Carragher about his ideas and it looks as if we can provide a very presentable side for the money.
'I have also established a business development group which will be chaired by Graham Austin, who has an background in the insurance industry and a love for football.
'He will be trying to bring in other business people from the community who may not want to be directly involved as a board member but may like to bring a contribution with advice, encouragement and guidance.
'If anybody wants to be on that group, they should give me a call.'
The Linnets chairman added: 'I know the supporters are all wanting to see the club successful. I am making it very clear the club cannot rely on me (financially) this season. I said that last season and got stuck. It will be based on what the club's spectators, supporters and sponsors can provide.' nMatty McGinn has been offered a new one-year contract while James Lock has taken up a one-year option.
Phil Denney has left for Mossley.
