WELCOME Runcorn Linnets
RECENT HISTORY
New season, new manager - Runcorn Linnets will embark on the 2022-23 campaign under the command of Dave Wild.
A young and driven UEFA B coach, working towards the A qualification, Dave was appointed boss at APEC Taxis Stadium on June 1st 2022, almost immediately after leaving Matlock Town.
He had spent two years at Matlock as assistant manager and, like the Linnets, had experienced the highs at reaching - and lows of losing in - Play-off football last season.
We are determined to bounce back together.
Dave, who had previously managed at Step 4 with Linnets' Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division colleagues Mossley, helped to steer Matlock to a fourth-placed finish in the NPL Premier Division.
The Gladiators ultimately missed out on promotion with their Semi-Final defeat.
Dave has named former Linnets striker Jamie Rainford as his new No.2 in a first shot at management for the much-travelled veteran frontman.
Billy Paynter has joined as first team coach, having worked in the Academy set-ups at Everton and Port Vale. Billy has close to 500 EFL appearances to his credit, his clubs as a player having included Port Vale, Swindon Town and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite a bitter-sweet climax, 2021-22 was the most successful season in Runcorn's history, also marking the end of an era.
At its conclusion, the club said fond farewells to manager Calum McIntyre as he left to take charge at Chester FC.
For all the disappointment at Calum's departure, Runcorn officials and fans alike fully understood his decision and were delighted to see an ambitious and talented manager progress in the game.
Linnets will look back with a huge sense of pride, despite the heartbreak of missing out by a whisker on a place in the NPL's top flight.
The 16-year-old fans-owned club got to within 19 minutes of a third promotion after leading their home West Division Play-off Final.
Having been ahead from the fourth minute through divisional Golden Boot winner Ryan Brooke's 34th goal of the season in all competitions, Linnets fell at the very last hurdle as a powerful visiting Marine side scored twice in eight minutes to secure the spoils.
The result in no way diminished the achievements of the club over a record-breaking campaign, which will long be remembered and savoured.
Nobody associated with Linnets will forget the moment at Prescot Cables when the Play-off spot was secured, or the 4-1 win and stunning display in the Semi-Final at Leek Town.
It was a campaign in which new standards were set on the field while attendances soared beyond all expectations - crowd records tumbling at regular intervals. The Play-Off Final saw Linnets take the aggregate attendance in 12 years at their stadium past 100,000.
Tickets for the 1,600 sell-out Final, this a new club and stadium best attendance, were the hottest in town.
Linnets' highest turnout for a league game is 1,015 (for the final game of ‘21-22 versus Colne).
Late twists and turns in a tight race for the Play-off spots had seen Runcorn achieve a highest ever Step 4 placing, against long-established clubs with bigger financial muscle. Runcorn were more than up for the fight.
It was also a delight just to be able complete the season and reflect in the traditional way on its ups and downs (although there were not many of the latter) after the two previous Covid-curtailed campaigns.
Calum McIntyre continued to develop an excellent playing environment with his coaching skills, man management and meticulous attention to detail.
In his 22 months at the club, the now 28-year-old coach Calum forged a strong bond with the club –backed by his very capable backroom team.
On arrival, Calum had quickly named as his assistant former Norwich City and Aberdeen defender, Colin Woodthorpe, who had successfully held the same managerial positions at both Colwyn Bay and AFC Fylde.
As he embarked on his maiden role in senior football management, Calum (also during his Linnets tenure employed as Head of Academy at fellow fans club Chester), had recruited a new firstteam coach, Mike Allcock. Colin and Mikey both took up roles in the backroom staff at Chester on Calum's promotion to their first team manager's position.
A key element in Calum's management/coaching strategy and playing style had been the club's state-of-the-art pitch, which presents Linnets with an outstanding surface.
It was installed in summer of 2020, Linnets having been chosen to take part in the second phase of Sport England's hybrid carpet pilot programme.
The project, also in conjunction with the Football Foundation, Premier League, The Football Association and Cheshire FA, involved the laying of the durable international-standard pitch, comprising 95% natural grass, growing through and intertwined with the grass fibre carpet.
Its unveiling was the culmination of two years of hard work. The pitch benefits all sections of the club – being utilised for matches by the first team, Development and Academy teams plus the Linnets Ladies (playing in the North West Regional League) while Academy and junior players, managers and coaches can use it for training.
The pitch is also available for hire by community clubs and organisations.
Another major happening in the 2020 close season had involved the departures of Linnets' longserving management team of boss Michael Ellison and assistant Matt Cross plus the retirement through injury of influential player and club captain, Kyle Hamid.
Only Matt Atherton (313) has made more appearances than Kyle's 261* with Ellison, Mark Houghton and Rob Whyte the only other double century makers.
‘Ello’ and ‘Crossy’ had been in charge since summer 2016 after both playing for the club and are assured of legendary status at Linnets on account of their on-field service and managerial achievement in bringing the club its first championship success.
They had also overseen Runcorn's first two seasons in the NPL after promotion as North West Counties League Premier Division title winners of 2017-18Linnets putting the disappointment of multiple near misses firmly behind them.
After three runners-up finishes in the previous four seasons, promotion was finally clinched on April 28th 2018 on the 12th anniversary of the club's foundation.
The title was secured on May 3rd 2018 with a 5-0 home victory over Blackpool-based Squires Gate.
This long-awaited league crown was captured with two matches to spare and 100 points – a club record 122 league goals being scored over the 44 games with 36 conceded.
The club enjoyed a very creditable introduction to Northern Premier League life in 2018-19 as members of its West Division.
Until the 2021-22 season this was the only NPL programme, which Linnets had been able to complete because of coronavirus.
They eventually missed out on a Play-off spot on goals difference.
For the two aborted seasons, Linnets had competed in the North/West Division after geographical reorganisation.
But as more far-reaching changes saw the creation of a third NPL division at Step 4 for 2021-22, Linnets reverted to membership of the West Division.
Linnets have come a long way since being founded in 2006 by supporters of former national nonleague champions, Runcorn AFC after a traumatic end for the old club.
The initial aims had been to bring the successor Linnets back to Runcorn and establish the club as one of which the community could be proud.
Both these ambitions were achieved with the club still in its infancy.
The stadium in the Murdishaw area of Runcorn, opened in 2010 with the project having been supported by Halton Borough Council, the FA and Football Foundation as well as the club and its fans.
Winter 2017 saw the completion of a replacement £1.4 million clubhouse as part of wider redevelopment of surrounding land with retail and leisure facilities.
At the same time, pitches outside the stadium were fenced in for use by the Linnets' numerous junior teams with the club also signing a new longterm lease for the extended site with Halton Council.
Runcorn Linnets Football Club was born after Runcorn AFC had intimated it would not be in a position to field a team beyond the end of 2005-06 season.
Upon leaving town in 2001, the now defunct club had suffered a troubled and nomadic existence.
Fans met at their spiritual home in Canal Street –at the then Quayside Bar and Function Rooms, next to the Linnets Park housing estate on which Runcorn AFC's ground had once stood.
An existing Supporters Trust was remodelled to run Runcorn Linnets, whose identity was derived from Runcorn AFC's nickname.
The new club spent its first four years playing home games as tenants of Witton Albion FC at Wincham Park, Northwich - gaining promotion at the first attempt to the top division of the North West Counties League (NWCFL) under the management of Steve Carragher, who had been the predecessor club's last team boss.
Victory against Formby in the NWCL Challenge Cup final in 2012-13 brought a first winners' trophy for the first team. Former Runcorn AFC player, Joey Dunn was the then manager.
Paul McNally is another "old boy" of the original club to have managed the new with Steve Wilkes being the only manager prior to Calum McIntyre and now Dave Wild not to have had any previous Linnets connections.
Wilkes had in 2009 led the Linnets to their first ever final, only to be beaten to the League Cup by New Mills at Tameside Stadium, which would be the scene for the club's triumph in the same competition four years later.
The abandoned 2019-20 season saw Linnets make their debut in the NPL Academy League.
This was rebranded in 2020-21 as the ESPFA, Linnets reaching the national finals as winners of the Northern section - a feat repeated in 2021-22.
Linnets U21s team, which was renamed the Development team in summer 2021, also flourished from the outset. Eden Gumbs became its first graduate to the senior men's squad for 2021-22, with the hope of many more to follow.
P W D L F A GD PTS 8 4 2 2 11 5 +6 14 Today's Opponents LEAGUE SEASON SO FAR LEAGUE POSITION DISTANCE FROM THE RED INDUSTRIES STADIUM : 47.2 MILES TOPSCORERCLEAN SHEETS 53 th 7 JamieRainford info@one2onefootball.co.uk VISITUSONLINE www.one2onefootball.co.uk £40MINS 20.00 One 2 One Coaching has been developed to help aspiring football players reach their goals and potential. We work with players of all positions, and of all ability levels designing specific programmes to enhance their development. Our coaches have years of experience in coaching football teams and players
James Short (Club captain)
Prior to switching to the Linnets for the 2020-21 season, James had been a regular at Witton Albion in NPL Premier Division and he has enjoyed a similar level of involvement in a Runcorn shirt. He was promoted to the captaincy in the summer after serving as deputy. The left back is equally adept in attack and defence and the team always looks assured by his presence.
James had joined Witton in summer 2019 after five years at Marine. His other previous clubs include Morecambe, Warrington Town, Skelmersdale United and Burscough.
Sean O'Mahony (vice-captain)
A commanding centre half from Ireland, Sean was named Manager's Player of the Season in 202122, making more appearances than any other Linnets player. Sean signed for Runcorn in September 2020 and took over the vice captaincy ahead of the 202223 season.
He previously played for League or Ireland Premier Division club Cork City, having begun his senior club career at Division One outfit Cobh Ramblers, where he broke into the first team in 2013-14.
Ally Brown
The attacking right back, who joined Linnets in March 2019, last season came agonisingly close to completing a promotion hat-trick after earlier in his career helping Trafford and Warrington Town go up into the NPL Premier Division.
He always performs with great energy and reads the game well.
Ally’s other clubs have included Radcliffe Borough, Chorley, Droylsden and Witton Albion.
Zack Clarke
Zack is a 6ft 3in striker who arrived in the run-up to the 2022-23 season, Linnets becoming his fourth Northern Premier League loan club.
He joined parent club Chester in summer 2021 on leaving Stockport County Academy. Zack last season had stints at Leek Town, Clitheroe and Atherton Collieries before signing his second 12-month contract at the Deva Stadium.
Andy Coughlin
6ft 3in keeper Andy has been involved in two FA Trophy finals with Wrexham and has represented England C
Born in Bootle in January 1993, he spent his youth at Tranmere Rovers, making two EFL appearances.
Andy joined Southport for 2015 16 and spent the following season at Barrow before moving into the Welsh leagues with Airbus UK Broughton, Bangor City and most recently Colwyn Bay
Stuart Crilly
Skilful wide man Stuart signed from Chester in the 2020 21 close season
He had joined the Deva club from Oldham in March 2017 and appeared for Chester in the Cheshire Senior Cup.
Stuart has also spent time at Prescot Cables in the Northern Premier League and with then NWCL Premier Division outfit Rylands (now Warrington Rylands 1906).
Lewis Doyle
Holding midfielder Lewis is best known for his diligent work to protect the defence But his November 2021 home debut against Warrington Rylands featured a stunning goal.
A rocket like finish from the edge of the penalty box helped Linnets to inflict a rare defeat on the eventual league champions
Seven years a Preston North End junior, Lewis arrived at the APEC Taxis Stadium from Atherton Collieries, where he had previously spent time on loan from Southport before being picked up by EFL club Accrington Stanley
Sidi Sanogo Fofana
A Spanish national, Sidi played 26 times for Macclesfield as they won the North West Counties League Premier Division title last season.
Known for his vision and athleticism, Sidi is good with both feet and can play holding or advanced roles in central midfield
His previous clubs also include UD Fraga, EF Fraga and UE Bordeta, all in his homeland. In England, he has also served AFC Darwen, Bamber Bridge and Radcliffe.
Daryll Grant
A right back or central defender, Daryll spent time in his youth with both Manchester United and Manchester City
He last season made 28 appearances for Abbey Hey of the North West Counties League Division One South, scoring four goals.
Daryll previously played for Linnets manager Dave Wild at Stockport Town He has represented Cheadle Town and spent three years in Australia, playing in the Brisbane Premier League for Rochedale Rovers.
Eden Gumbs
A powerhouse hometown striker Eden in summer 2021 became he first player to graduate to the Linnets first team from the Development side. As well as representing the U21s with distinction, Eden in 2021 21 sampled senior football with North West Counties League side, Barnton setting himself up for progression in the Runcorn ranks. He quickly established himself at APEC Taxis Stadium, proving very tough to knock off the ball
Last season, Eden briefly played alongside elder brother Evan when the latter was loaned to Linnets by Warrington Town.
Ben Halfacre
Ben is an experienced and prolific striker, who returned to Linnets in the summer after making 10 appearances in 2015 16. He has in the interim played for now Runcorn manager Dave Wild at Stockport Town and Mossley
In 2021 22, Ben netted 26 goals in 38 outings for Abbey Hey.
Louis Hayes
Louis has been with Runcorn for three seasons and is one of the team’s most effective and consistent performers.
The highly rated young midfielder was quick to impress with his physicality and maturity and he has only got stronger Named player of the year by the Linnets Insider website in the abridged 2020 21 campaign, Louis started out at Blackburn Rovers, after also interesting Burnley
Sam Heathcote
Sam captained West Didsbury & Chorlton to the North West Counties League Division One South championship in 2021 22, scoring a remarkable 30 goals from central defence
The 6ft 4 in player has previously played Northern Premier League football for Trafford and Widnes, appearing against Linnets for both. He has also served Hyde United and Wythenshawe Town
A former Manchester United junior, playing at centre forward, Sam began his senior career with 51 appearances for Altrincham, scoring a last gasp winner on his National League debut as an 18 year old
Callum McHale
Promising teenager Callum McHale is on loan to Runcorn Linnets from the National League North club, Chorley
Callum is one of four young players promoted into the Magpies first team squad for the 2022 23. He last season headed the goal charts for Chorley's Education Programme team before stepping up late in the campaign to the Under 21s
Tom Moore
A 6ft 4in ball playing central defender, Tom signed in the 2022 close season from Connah's Quay Nomads for whom he featured and scored in the UEFA Europa Conference League
An excellent technician with good passing skills, Tom first enjoyed Northern Premier League football with hometown club Marine, having graduated from the Crosby club’s youth side
He spent a season in Sweden with Ytterhogdals IK
Oladapo Olarewaju
Dapo's ability to take on defenders at pace has not only impacted games but made him a firm crowd favourite at Linnets.
He was recruited from Under 19s football at third tier German professional outfit SV Meppen in December 2020, shortly before a further suspension from football due to Covid
A right winger, he had previously featured in the NPL Premier Division for Hyde United, after progressing through the Tigers’ youth ranks. Dapo scored 11 goals in 43 appearances last season
Josh Quarless
Centre forward Josh has a good goal record and an all round game to match.
At 6ft 7in, he is an imposing figure on the pitch and scored 21 times in 2021 23, starting it at North West Counties League Burscough before moving into our division with City of Liverpool. Josh had moved into non league from amateur football in Liverpool and Linnets fans are delighted to have him on board after the havoc he caused against us for the Purps last season.
Jamie Rainford
Jamie Rainford returned to the club in the summer as player/assistant manager, the much travelled striker having had a brief stint with Linnets in 2019. This is a first managerial appointment for Jamie under Dave Wild, who was previously his boss at Mossley
Jamie is a prolific marksman, who last season scored 18 goals for Ramsbottom United and Glossop North End. His career history includes top level non League football with FC Halifax Town and spells with Marine, Chester and AFC Fylde
Nialle Rodney
Nialle is an experienced and much travelled forward, who played for Nottingham Forest, Bradford City and Hartlepool United before retiring from full time football to pursue a career in the fashion industry. He was most recently at Ramsbottom United and signed for Linnets in the summer, having been away from the game for a while Nialle had two stints at Rammy, playing in between at FC United of Manchester, Lancaster City and Ashton United.
Danny Taberner
Goalkeeper Danny first appeared for Runcorn Linnets in January 2020, answering an SOS to play in a NPL home match against Ossett United. He signed for a second time in the 2022 23 pre season after calling time on his third spell with Atherton Collieries, where he totalled 134 appearances.
Danny started his career at Rochdale, making his senior debut at the age of 16 His previous clubs also include Northwich Victoria and City of Liverpool.
Sam Turner
Winger Sam is on loan from Chester where he stepped up to the senior ranks in the 2021 22 pre season, having been with his home city club since the age of nine
He was part of the Under 19s team, which lifted the National League Alliance Cup in March 2021, scoring in the decisive penalty shootout
Sam has also spent valuable time on loan at Lower Breck in the North West Counties League Premier Division and Widnes in NPL West.
Jacques Welsh
The versatile young Welshman arrived at Runcorn Linnets from Flint Town United in summer 2020.
Able to play at centre back and full back but majoring in midfield, Jacques has proved himself highly influential to the Runcorn cause with his ability to read and direct the play.
Jacques started with Bolton Wanderers and was on professional forms at Tranmere Rovers before switching to Flint midway through 2017 18.
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2022/23 FIXTURES ALL FIXTURES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE NEWCASTLE TOWN FIRST TEAM--Aug 6 Aug 13 Aug 16 Aug 20 Aug 23 Aug 27 Aug 29 Sept 3 Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 17 Sept 27 Oct 1 Oct 3 Oct 8 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 22 Oct 29 AFC Wulfurians (FAC EP) Witton Albion- H Hanley Town A Bedford Utd -H (FAC P) Bedford Utd A (FAC P REP) Mossley AFC A Kidsgrove Athletic - H Stafford Rangers A (FAC1Q) 1874 Northwich - H Spalding United - H - FATQ1 Congleton Town - H - FAC2Q Widnes - H Prescot Cables A Port Vale - H (SSC) Skelmersdale United A Bootle - H Macclesfield A Clitheroe A Colne - H Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 17 Dec 26 Jan 2 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 21 Jan 28 Nov 5 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 26 Workington - H Runcorn Linnets - A Witton Albion - A Leek Town - H Kidsgrove Athletic - A Hanley Town - H Widnes - A Macclesfield - H Workington - A City of Liverpool FC - A Glossop North End - H Ramsbottom United - H Trafford - A Apr 1 Apr 8 Apr 10 Apr 15 Apr 22 Feb 4 Feb 7 Feb 18 Feb 25 Mar 4 Mar 18 Mar 25 Glossop North End - A Mossley - H Leek Town - A Trafford - H Ramsbottom United - A Prescot Cables - H 1874 Northwich - A Bootle - A Skelmersdale United - H Clitheroe - H Colne - A City of Liverpool FC - H MATCH SMATCH SPONSORSHIP APONSORSHIP AVAILABLE VAILABLE
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