United have come through that period unscathed and have now appointed Jamie Hammond in a permanent role as the club's new general manager / secretary.
Chairman Steve Wharton today thanked Blackbourne for playing his part in helping the Iron through a difficult summer.
"I personally am very grateful to Mark for helping out at very short notice and I know he has been a great help to Jamie (Hammond) in his first month" said Wharton.
Blackbourne joins Chairman Steve Wharton, Vice-Chairman Rex Garton, Director Simon Elliott and Associate-Director Jason Oxenforth to become the fifth addition to a new look board at Glanford Park.
"It is a privilege to have been invited to the position of Associate-Director and one that I'm delighted to have accepted" declared Blackbourne.
"I look forward to my continued association with the Iron, working with the board and the staff at