Long distance chief exec resigns

Isle of Man-based Looney, pictured, cited his young family and the travel involved in guiding the club for standing down a year after taking the helm and seeing the Dolly Blues clinch promotion to the EVO-STIK League's top flight last April.

Looney, who brought a wealth of business management experience to the post while working with chairman Stuart Houghton, explained his decision in a club statement thanking everybody at Giant Axe for their support since his arrival.

Looney said: “As some of you might now be aware I have decided to resign from my director position. I decided earlier in the season that it was going to be difficult for me to take the club strategy forward from the Isle of Man without more travel which is not possible with a small family.

"I came on board to support with the strategy and get us promoted. We have achieved both. We have gained promotion, have a clear strategy and done well financially considering that we are in a new league. We have a great platform to go forward and just need more people on the ground to support.

"I have loved every minute at Lancaster City FC and would like to thank you for all your support. The club has amazing people, we just need more on the ground. I will not be leaving overnight and have been agreeing a handover plan with Stuart. I will be at many more games in the future as a fan!”

Looney and Knight were thanked for their hard work and commitment in the statement on the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's website.

The Dolly Blues said: "The club would like to place on record it’s immense thanks to Lawrence for all his hard-work, commitment and dedication over the past couple of years, where he has been pivotal in helping the club outline a clear strategy for ongoing development. We wish Lawrence all the best for the future.

"Mark Knight has also stepped down. Mark, along with his wife Carole, has been an important member of the club for a number of years and the club would like to place on record its utmost appreciation for all the time, effort, energy and sweat that Mark has put into building up the club over the last few years.

"The recent renovation of the Dolly's Diner and the bar is the latest piece in a string of projects that Mark has managed and been 'hands on' with Carole. Without Mark, the club would not be in a position to drive our further development forward. We wish Mark, and Carole, all the best for the future."

Image courtesy of lancastercityfc.co.uk

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