DEREK Greenwood has been named chairman of Runcorn Linnets by their new board.

Greenwood is one of the club's most committed supporters and had polled more votes in the Linnets Independent Supporters' Trust board elections than any other candidate.

Originally from Runcorn, he is an East Lancs-based modern languages teacher for whom just getting to home matches involves a 135-mile round trip.

He chaired the public meeting which led to the new club's formation and along with son Neil is an away supporter of long-standing.

He also edits the club programme.

Other roles confirmed at Tuesday's meeting were: vice-chairman, Hedley Edwards; club secretary, Tony Waddington; vice-secretary, Lynn Johnston; financial controller, Joanne Wilks; commercial/fundraising, Paul Ramsden/ Glyn Davies; Press officer, Steve Pritchard; community development officer, Rob Johnston

Kel Hoose and David Dutton are the other board members while Phil Wainwright has been co-opted as Runcorn Supporters' Club representative.

Rob Wilks continues as treasurer from outside the board while interim club chairman Stuart White will continue to lead the Return to Runcorn strategy group.

Robert Ellison has been appointed Trust secretary - a new role defined within the club's newly-modified constitution, ratified at the SGM on December 11.

The club hopes the four unsuccessful candidates for the board, Gregor Law, Darren Law, Simon Charlesworth and John Urquhart will continue to play a valued role.

Spokesman Steve Pritchard said: 'It was also noted that since the club is a fans-based organisation, there are always opportunities for fans to volunteer to assist in different areas of the club.

'The board should not be seen as the group that runs the club in isolation.'

Meanwhile, keeper George Caulfield is poised to leave Linnets this week.

Manager Steve Carragher is expecting to release the ex-Harrogate Town keeper, who relaunched his playing career with the club after a long injury lay-off.

Caulfield was initially first choice but lost his place when last season's Runcorn FC Halton play-er-of-the-year Robbie Hol-croft was drafted in.

Carragher said: 'We couldn't carry on with two keepers and George wants to play, which is what you would expect.'

The manager reports a clean bill of health ahead of Boxing Day's game at Bootle although Colin Flood and Jerome Fitzgerald are still suspended.

Dave Thompson confirmed his earlier-than-expected recovery from an ankle injury by scoring in a 3-1 victory at Castleton Gabriels.

Playmaker Colin Quirk continues to be hampered by a groin injury.

'It is just something at the moment he has got to persevere with,' added the manager.

Carragher admitted Saturday's 3-1 win at Castleton wasn't one of Runcorn's better performances but he was satisfied all the same.

'I don't think we played exceptionally well but it's three points,' he said.

'I have been very disappointed at not having any games in the last couple of weeks and was desperate to play.

'We've trained right through but match fitness is different and that showed a little bit towards the end.

'It was always going to be harder going back there after beating them 9-1 a couple of weeks beforehand but I thought generally, we did well.'