Top administrator returns with Rams

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Ramsbottom United have appointed a new secretary.

The First Division North club announced on Friday that Graham Shuttleworth has taken over as the successor to Malcom Holt who stood down at the end of the campaign.

The new Rams Secretary is a well-respected administrator within the game and arrives at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium with many years of experience in football, having served Curzon Ashton and Witton Albion in similar roles.

Rams spokesman Tony Cunningham paid tribute to their outgoing Secretary and welcomed Shuttleworth to the club. Cunningham said: "Malcolm did a superb job for the club over a number of years but decided to step down from the role at the end of the 2012-13 season. So it is with pleasure that the club are able to confirm Graham Shuttleworth as his successor.

He added: "Graham has already begun his duties and the club hopes that he enjoys his time with the Rams as we seek to continue out rise up the Non-League pyramid."

Having spent a few months away from the game, Shuttleworth is relishing his return and said: "I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to join the club and to take on the role of secretary, and I look forward to supporting everyone in taking it forward. I have been involved with football at the Northern Premier League level for some years, first with Curzon Ashton and last season with Witton Albion, so I am no stranger to this level of football or the administration requirements.

He added: "I am also familiar with Ramsbottom as an area, having family members who have lived here for many years. While it's a long time ago, I did actually play for a local pub one season, but the first team manager won't have to concern himself with me pestering him for a game, those days are well behind me!"