CALUM MCINTYRE has made his first move into senior management after being unveiled as Runcorn Linnets new manager.

The 26-year-old has plenty of experience in the game having worked as Chester's first-team coach alongside his role as head of academy at the Blues - a position he will remain in.

Having been named the new boss of Northern Premier League Division One North West outfit Linnets, McIntyre, who had a spell as caretaker Blues boss after Marcus Bignot was dismissed, told the club's website: "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."

Runcorn chairman Mike Bignall explained why McIntyre was the best man for the job, saying: "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's 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, which 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."

McIntyre, who has overseen a host of academy success stories with the likes of Sam Hughes and Tom Crawford going on to bigger and better things, has the blessing of Chester.

Blues chairman Andrew Morris told the club's website: “Calum has had increased involvement with the first team over the last couple of years which alongside his achievements at youth level are testament to his hard work and dedication.

“I am sure he will bring Runcorn Linnets every success in the coming season.

"He undertakes this role with the best wishes and support of everyone associated with the club and we believe this opportunity will benefit him and help him develop further as a coach and manager which our academy will also benefit from in the long term.”