Michael O’Neill has been officially installed as the new chairman of Kendal Town, and pledged to bring transparency and accountability to the club.
The 39-year-old project manager for Fleetwood Town is also a former chief scout with the League One club, and is a board member of Lancashire FA.
The Kendal members approved his role at a meeting last night, when members of his new back-up team were revealed.
They include Kendal businessman Andy Hayton; former Lancaster City vice-chairman Mark Knight, who will be commercial director and an ex-Morecambe director, David Derham who will take on the role of treasurer.
Also on the committee are: Macauley Barclay (secretary); Chris Miller (welfare officer), Steve Fishwick, Chris Wrigley and Joe Woods.
O’Neill, who lives near Garstang, said: “The new people don’t replace anyone. They are added to the committee already at the club and I’m pleased to say that Jay Rossi has agreed to stay on as vice chairman.
“What we plan after the home game a week on Saturday is a fans forum so that we can introduce the new additions and explain our plans to take the club forward. We will be looking for transparency and accountability at all times.”
O’Neill first got involved with Kendal in 2007 when Lee Ashcroft was in charge and had two happy years, during which time he developed a strong affection for the club.
Family commitments meant he had to draw back but since then he has been part of a consortium which had offered to get involved with the club, but which was never accepted.
One of the first things to deal with in his in-tray is the position of manager and the chairman says he has a three-man shortlist from the applicants, with current interim manager Jordan Scott also in contention.
Kendal have two tough games coming up against promotion chasing Trafford (away, tomorrow) and Marine (home, Tuesday) followed by a relegation six pointer at home to Market Drayton (next Saturday).
