Ex-Blues: former Carlisle United striker quits non-league role

Former Carlisle United striker Billy Paynter has resigned from his non-league manager's role.

The former Blues forward had stepped down as boss of Runcorn Linnets.

It follows defeat in the Northern Premier League West Division play-off semi-finals.

Their loss to City of Liverpool came a year after Runcorn were denied in the play-off final by Workington Reds.

Paynter says he "takes full responsibility" for the "failure".

He issued a statement thanking players, colleagues and fans at the club.

He added: "Finishing second, giving Runcorn Linnets their highest finish in years, was a great achievement and success by all.

"But a few days later to lose our play-off game was then a season failure.

"And with that failure, I take full responsibility and I will be stepping down as Runcorn Linnets FC manager

"I wish the club all the best and success in the future."

Club chairman Peter Cartledge said the club wanted to put on record their appreciation for Paynter's impressive work.

"We also have to remember that Billy took on the role at a very testing time for the club and has conducted himself throughout with integrity, diligence and class," he added.

Paynter, 39, was with Carlisle in the 2014/15 season after joining under Graham Kavanagh.

But he fell out of favour under Kavanagh's successor Keith Curle.

An unhappy time saw Paynter score just twice in 21 appearances - his second goal coming in a 2-0 win over Plymouth Argyle which secured League Two safety, the other strike by Gary Dicker who, like Paynter, had been exiled from the first team by Curle.

After leaving Carlisle, the ex-Port Vale, Hull City, Southend United, Swindon Town, Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers man joined Hartlepool United.

He went on to have a coaching spell at Port Vale before taking the Runcorn job.