LISKEARD Athletic were rocked by last Friday's news that player/manager Dave Leonard had moved to Truro City as their new manager. The Toolstation Western League title favourites had unexpectedly parted company with Dave Newton and, within minutes, their ambitious chairman, Kevin Heaney, was concentrating on getting his man. Liskeard chairman Chris Burchell takes up the story. 'It came like a bolt out of the blue when I received a phone from Kevin Heaney, on Friday morning at 8.15am, requesting permission to speak to Dave. 'I granted that request, as we are not a club to stand in someone's way if they can improve themselves, and immediately contacted Dave. 'He expressed surprise and said he would await Kevin Heaney's phone call and keep me informed. Dave phoned back just after 2.00 pm to tell me that he had accepted the position, with immediate effect. 'It has all moved very quickly; we are still a bit shellshocked, although we do thank Dave for what he has achieved at Lux Park – and he goes to Treyew Road with all our blessings,' said the Blues chairman. A press release was issued by Truro that afternoon stating: 'Truro City FC can announce that, after open discussions between chairman Kevin Heaney and manager Dave Newton, it was decided that Mr Newton would leave his post as manager of the club by mutual consent. 'Kevin Heaney has since approached Chris Burchell at Liskeard to ask for permission to speak with their manager Dave Leonard which was accepted. 'After a meeting today, Mr Leonard has accepted the post of manager with immediate effect. 'The club would like to thank Dave Newton and wish him all the best in the future. 'The club would also like to thank Liskeard FC, who have acted impeccably in allowing Mr Leonard to speak with Truro and have wished both parties the best of luck.' Leonard was in charge of his new team, assisted by former Blazey favourite Glynn Hooper, for last Saturday's 11-2 victory at home to Clyst Rovers. That victory kept their unbeaten run alive and took them up to third place in the table, although they do have six games in hand over leading pair Portishead and Westbury. Leonard could not hide his delight at the appointment when he said: 'I'm absolutely thrilled and delighted to be manager of Truro City Football Club as it's a new challenge for me and one that I intend to grab with both hands. 'Truro have high ambitions to reach and they have set their stall out this year. I have to thank Dave Newton, who I know personally, who has left me with a very talented squad,' he added. When asked about all the extra travelling his new job entailed, Leonard replied: 'That is not an issue as I did all that in 14 years with Tiverton and Yeovil. 'I would personally like to thank everyone at Liskeard for the opportunities they gave me, and especially Chris Burchell and Ian Pook. 'They say that I go with their blessing and, as a manager, that is all I can ask for.' The Blues had Lee Harvey in charge for their 8-0 Senior Cup victory at home to Holmans, and he admitted he would be interested in taking the job on. 'The attitude of the players on Saturday was superb and they expressed a wish for myself and John Horne to take the job on,' revealed Harvey. 'I would like the chance as this is a big club with ambitions but I will have to wait until I come back to Plymouth and talk to Chris Burchell,' added Harvey, who is away working this week.
