Runcorn unveil new manager

McIntyre, 26, succeeds Michael Ellison and will combine his new role with his existing commitments at Chester FC as academy head coach and youth team manager.

In April 2018, he was first team caretaker manager, becoming the youngest manager in the history of the professional game when Chester were full-time in the National League.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Runcorn Linnets. This was a terrific opportunity to move into senior management.

"This is a terrific football club and one that I am a committed to playing my part in delivering success to. I am pleased to be inheriting such a talented group and look forward to speaking to existing players over the coming days.

"Over the coming weeks, I look forward to getting to know the supporters and volunteers at the club and working together ahead of the return to football when it is safe to do so."

Linnets chairman Mike Bignall said: "The recruitment process was very thorough. In total, we had 31 candidates for the position, a phenomenal response, the overall calibre being extremely high.

"Calum isn't someone who had been on our radar but his application and CV leapt off the page and made him a candidate we felt we had to speak to, and when interviewed, Calum impressed the panel immensely.

"For a young man, his knowledge, attention to detail and ethos on how football clubs should operate and develop, especially in the fan-owned model from his experience at Chester FC, perfectly align with the plans and progression of our great club.

"We were particularly impressed with Calum's proposed level of professionalism that he will introduce, his intricate knowledge of players at non-league level all over the North West, and his passion for developing young players into top-class footballers. This will align perfectly with our Under-21s team with whom Calum will be working closely.

"We are delighted to have him on board and look forward to a very exciting next step in our club's short history."