Boardroom reshuffle at Castle

Newcastle Town's Chairman Paul Ratcliffe is stepping down from his role at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

The First Division South's Castle say Ratcliffe, pictured, won't be leaving the club and instead will continue on their board as Commercial Manager following his resignation to concentrate on his business commitments.

Alistair Miller, who has been with the club's commercial department as well as overseeing the development Newcastle's junior section, will take over as Chairman and he'll be assisted at the Lyme Valley Stadium by Geoff Eccleston who's been appointed General Manager .

Ratcliffe, who's played a major part in the development of the club during his tenure to put it on a sound footing, thanked fans for their support during his period as Chairman and backed his successor to take the club forward.

In statement to supporters, he said: "First of all I would like to let everyone know that due to personal business commitments I am standing down as Chairman. I will continue at the club in the important role of Commercial Director. I hope you will offer any support you can to our new Chairman and look forward to seeing you at next season's matches.

"Alistair Miller, who during the past couple of years has been instrumental in re-organising our youth section into a stand-alone part of the club which recently has applied for Amateur Sports Club status which will enable the club to apply for grants and give sponsors tax breaks, will take over as Chairman for the immediate future with the help of Geoff Eccleston as General Manager.

"I am sure that we are in good hands and there are many changes already in place to enhance our club. We have applied to lease the land over the brook at the entrance to the stadium with a view to providing two new youth pitches as well as training facilities for the planned new Scholarship Academy due to start in September.

"Additionally, work is almost complete on our new Vice President Stand which will provide an additional 18 seats under cover. The playing surface is already in good shape for next season thanks to [groundsman] Colin Spencer's time and effort.

Ratcliffe also also took time to hail the club's mosty recent on-field success across their age groups. "On the footballing side, the season ended on a high note with our U18s side winning the Sentinel Cup with a record breaking scoreline," he added.

"Other notable achievements included four members of our youth section breaking into the first team and giving a great account of themselves when called upon. This all bodes well for next season with many more good players coming through the younger ranks of our club.

"Regrettably our U16s fell in the semi-final of the Sentinel Shield but we had further successes in the youth section with the U11's league and cup double, U14's promotion and U9s and U10's end of season tournament success."