Lairds backing Sullivan to be snapped up

Cammell Laird are backing Tony Sullivan to carry on managing at a higher level after playing their final game in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Sullivan took over at Lairds in November 2010 and left the club on Bank Holiday Monday after their 1-1 draw with Northwich Victoria.

The Wirral club, who are reforming at either Step 6 or Step 7 next season after resigning to resolve ownership issues, believe Sullivan will be quickly snapped up elsewhere after his success with them in often adverse circumstances.

Last season the 40-year-old won three manager of the month awards and guided Lairds to a second place finish in First Division North and within a whisker of promotion when they reached the play-off final and were beaten on penalties by Trafford.

Lairds Chairman Frank Games hopes the club will be back in the Evo-Stik NPL within a few years itself but believes Sullivan will be quickly reprieved and deserves a fresh challenge in the top levels of Non-League after the results he’s brought on limited resources.

Games said: "I know how hard Tony has worked for this club during my time as chairman. He is an ambitious guy who is more than capable of continuing his managerial career at this level or higher.

"He has done wonders here and I’m sure others will have taken note. All the Lairds family wish him well and will be following his progress."

Sullivan is returning to Kirklands for the club's end of season presentation night and is pictured picking up one his managerial accolades last season from Evo-Stik NPL Operations Manager Alan Allcock.

Sullivan said: "I leave with a heavy heart but understand why the club took the decision to reform at a lower level and wish them the best of luck for the future."