Runcorn Linnets v Kendal Town

Club Sponsor

Official Matchday Programme Price £2

To Celebrate the Official Opening of JACK SEARCH WAY, RUNCORN

The EVO-STIK League West Division Runcorn Linnets Vs Kendal Town Saturday 16th March 2019 3pm Match Sponsored by The Chief

APEC TAXIS—01928 575757 A RUNCORN COMPANY SUPPORTING THE RUNCORN TEAM RUNCORN TO MANCHESTER AIRPORT £30 E/W RUNCORN TO LIVERPOOL AIRPORT £20 E/W

Club Information

Stadium Millbank Linnets Stadium Stockham Lane Runcorn Cheshire WA7 6GJ

Telephone (Clubline) 08454860705 (Fax) 07050801734

Runcorn Linnets FC is a Registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (Company Number IP29719R) . The club is a “Trust” - an Industrial and Provident Society, and is registered with the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). The Trust was originally set up as “The Linnets Independent Supporters Trust”, or “LIST” for short, and was a Supporters Trust in aid of Runcorn AFC, known as Runcorn FC Halton at the time. In April 2006, when the fans decided to take the destiny of Runcorn FC into their own hands and set up Runcorn Linnets FC as a reformed Runcorn AFC, the nature of the Trust changed to one capable of running a football club.

Becoming a Trust member gives you the ability to take part in the democratic running of the club. You will be able vote members on and off the board, participate in the decision making process, etc, and this is done on a purely one person, one vote basis. Regardless of the financial commitments that may have been made to the club by any individual, their vote is only as powerful as any other regular Trust member. If you would like to join the Trust, then you can download an application form at our website.

If you prefer, you can pay your membership fee using Paypal, using the payment page, or alternatively have a chat with any of the club officials on matchday.

Chairman: Mike Bignall Vice Chairman: Jon Urquhart Secretary: Tracy Measor Treasurer: Phil Wainwright Trust Board Members: Elected: Mike Bignall Josh Christian Hedley Edwards Daz Law Tracy Measor Steve Pritchard Jon Urquhart Reg Woods Co-Opted: James Sidwell Phil Wainwright Social Media & Club Photographer: James Eastup Programme Editor: Ellis Clarke

Pitch Maintenance: Jeff Jago James Charlton Andy Clifton Caleb Goodwin Jim Roberts Chris White Trust Secretary: David Bettley

Manager: Michael Ellison Asst Manager: Matt Cross First Team Coaches: Danny Salt & Chris Lawton Goalkeeping Coach: Jonathon Moorhouse Head Sport Rehabilitator: Gemma Mooney

Honorary President: Alan Jones Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Mark Buckley (2018) Derek Greenwood (2017) Lynn Johnston (2017) Robert Johnston (2017) Steven Pritchard (2010) Stuart White (2010)

www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk www.RuncornLinnetsJFC.co.uk RUNCORN REVIEW © 2018-19 RUNCORN LINNETS FC Written by Ellis Clarke and Dave Bettley Photographs © 2017-18 James Eastup Unless otherwise indicated

Help Us Choose The New Away Kit Runcorn Linnets today announces our new kit partnership with 1895 Sports and a training kit sponsorship deal with Jem Recycling of Manor Park in Runcorn. 1895 are official suppliers of our home and away strips from next season, associated team training/leisure wear and replicas for purchase by our supporters.

Runcorn Linnets are the first football club to join forces with the Warrington company, which has built its reputation in Rugby League but is eager to branch out into other sports. The club meanwhile is unveiling the design and prices of the first three items in our club training and leisure wear ranges.

These can be purchased directly from the club and ordered today in the clubhouse from 2pm - see Trust Board member Daz Law. Card payment will be available.

We think you will like our T-shirt, quarter-zip top and hoodie which are available in adult sizes at £30 (T-shirt) and £38 each for the quarter-zip top and hoody. Junior sizes are £26 for the T-shirt and £32 each for the quarter-zip top and hoody.

The T-shirt and quarter-zip top are sponsored by Jem Recycling, who are a new sponsor for the Linnets.

The club very much wanted to involve our fervent and loyal fans in the new kit arrangements so the first phase of the deal will see our supporters being asked this afternoon to choose our new away strip. We have three different designs for consideration in two colourways - orange/black (our present choice of away kit) and red/black.

The winning kit will be adopted by the club as our change strip for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.

Voting forms are available at the ground today for fans to give their preference. To make things as fair as possible, we are asking for your first, second and third choices.

Our home kit will be unveiled shortly but will once again be a yellow and green hooped design. There is, however, an exciting innovation in the design which we hope will capture the imagination of

our fans and help them to feel even closer to the team. Pricing of the new home and away kits will be revealed in due course. Both will feature the name of our long-standing club sponsor Millbank to the front while Grangeside continue as our back of shirt sponsor.

Mike Bignall, chairman of Runcorn Linnets, said: “We are delighted and excited to announce the first phase of our partnership with 1895 and look forward to achieving success together. We also thank our existing spomsors, Millbank and Grangeside whose continued support is invaluable to a community club like Runcorn Linnets while welcoming Jem Recycling who we are certain will also be excellent partners. We hope that our fans will enjoy deliberating over our new away kit and voting from the chosen shortlist and while waiting for the new home kit to be unveiled, will be eager to purchase the training shirt and half-zip top which are the same as our players will be wearing.”

We also have available our hoody with other official merchandise to be made available in the very near future. 1895 Sports, located in Winwick, were founded in 2014. Their joint co-owner is Mike Cooper, current Super League player at Warrington Wolves.

A spokesman for 1895 Sports said: “We are delighted to become official kit supplier to Runcorn Linnets in what is a new venture for us in terms of our first involvement with football. Our heritage is in Rugby League but we are working with local sports clubs in and around the North West of England - supplying training wear, leisurewear and playing kit. We are keen to speak with anyone currently involved in Rugby League, Rugby Union, netball, football, cycling and gymnastics as we feel that we have products which will inspire, motivate and influence you.”

About our kit sponsors: The training kit will be launched at the Widnes game on Easter Monday.

Millbank Holdings Ltd have been our main sponsor since we moved into The Millbank Linnets Stadium in 2010. The company offers specialist recruitment - from contingency recruitment to fully-tailored managed solutions - for a wide range of skilled industries including automation, automotive, built environment and infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, process, rail and water.

Grangeside (Automotive Engineers) is a longestablished Runcorn business in Weston Road, Weston Village and stalwart supporters of the Linnets and local sport in general. All mechanical work is undertaken - MoT testing, servicing, engine, gearbox, clutches, air conditioning, engine management. Grangeside uses only manufacturer and quality replacement parts.

Jem Recycling & Waste Management Limited provides comprehensive waste and recycling services to dispose of packaging, office and hazardous waste. Based on Aragon Court, Manor Park, Runcorn, their services include waste segregation and disposal, facilities management and the provision of equipment and personnel.

The Choices

Jack Search Halton Borough Council announced last year it was looking to mark the history of Runcorn FC by naming the road into the development after one of the club’s legends, Jack Search.

The Millbank Linnets Stadium in Murdishaw, home to Runcorn Linnets FC, opened its doors to a new era in 2010. Since then improvements to the facilities and a new clubhouse have been added as part of a wider development of the site.

In 2016, Planning Permission was granted for a retail and leisure development along with the demolition of the Halton Arms Public House which has been succeeded by the Queen of Hearts. Aldi occupies the largest unit on the site with the other retailers including Subway.

The opening of the new Linnets clubhouse coupled with Runcorn’s successful 2017/18 campaign, which saw them promoted into the EVO-STIK League Division One West as champions of the Hallmark Security (North West Counties) League Premier Division proves that the future is bright for the Trust-run club which formed in 2006.

Jack Search was a towering and imposing centre forward for Runcorn FC in the 1930s and a prolific goal scorer. Once his playing career was over Jack became one of five Directors of Everton Football Club during Howards Kendall’s first and most productive managerial spell at the club. During this time, Jack oversaw both league and cup successes.

Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board Member for Sport, Cllr Phil Harris, said: “We thought we needed to mark this legend of the local game.”

Dave Bettley Hero’s return: Jack Search on a return trip to Canal Street, most likely in the 1970s. The photo is from the collection gifted to the club by the late club official Jim Corcoran. On the right is another of the former club’s stalwarts Len Wakefield. >>>>>>>>>

Derek Greenwood writes When we talk about legends at football clubs we usually mean players who have been an important part of the club’s history, so surely no one group of players has earned that right more than the famous team which is now part of Linnet’s folklore which took on the existing cup – holders Preston North End at Canal Street on 7th January 1939 and in that team was the one man who more than any other in the history of this club since 1918 has earned the right to be the all–time Linnets Legend, Jack Search.

The team (pictured) was the one that took on a Preston side including the late great Bill Shankly and were not disgraced in a 4–2 defeat. The team was as follows:

as his goal scoring prowess. His heading ability made him a feared striker throughout the non – league world.What a shame that the war years interrupted his playing career. We will never know just how many goals he might have scored! Jack served his country in North Africa as a lieutenant – colonel but did resume his career after the war for a while. Because he had remained as an amateur Jack also worked and was employed as a salesman by the Liverpool Gas Company. After his playing career was over, he became a Director for many years at Everton Football Club and at that time renewed his acquaintance with Bill Shankly, and they became good friends.

Back row: P Lowe (Secretary) J Foxley, F Lightfoot, T Houghton, K Long, G Thomas, J Ashcroft, E Shaw (Trainer) J Dunn Front row: J Mayson, F Fitton, R. Williams (capt) Jack Search, L Fletcher, W Buckley The referee for the game was Mr C Carwell As a youngster growing up in Runcorn I soon became hooked on the Linnets in the early 1950s and it was not long before my dad was telling me about this giant of a centre forward we used to have, who seemed to score goals for fun.

Jack was 6’ 4” and a true amateur in every sense of the word. He remained an amateur throughout his career despite trials with Liverpool and a reputed offer from Arsenal of £7,000 for his signature which he turned down.

I wonder how that fee would equate to today’s fees? I am fortunate in my autograph collection to have the autograph of one of Jack’s Cheshire League contemporaries in Don Spendlove, who used to play for Rhyl, and between them they scored over 1,000 Cheshire League goals!

It was his reputation for sportsmanship which seemed to earn Search so much praise, as well

Runcorn had two cinemas in those days, the Empress and the Scala and highlights of the match were shown for six days at both cinemas!

The directors of the club had had to make a big decision to play the match at Canal Street but were rewarded with the all – time record gate of 10,111 which stood until we had to leave our home.

Interesting to note that the programme on that day cost 2d (for our younger fans that is two old pence).

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Our Visitors Kendal Town The Beginnings The present Club was originally formed as Netherfield AFC in 1919 when employees at K Shoes Netherfield factory were encouraged to form a football team. They were provided with land near to the factory at Parkside and began to compete in local leagues. In 1925 the team achieved its first notable success winning the Westmorland County Cup. The Golden Era In 1945 the club joined the semi-professional ranks becoming a member of the Lancashire Combination League and for the first time in its history Netherfield AFC played against Football League opposition that year when nearly 10,000 people watched the two FA Cup Ties against local rivals Barrow. Netherfield AFC was soon established as a major non-league club by taking the Lancashire Combination Championship in 1949 and again qualifying to meet a Football League side, Gateshead in the FA Cup. Cup success was quickly becoming a tradition as in the following year, 1950, after defeating North Shields at Parkside in the First Round the team travelled to Watford where over 15,000 people watched Netherfield AFC take on Watford in the Second Round. Unfortunately for the travelling fans the home side ran out 6-0 winners.

1952-53 again saw Netherfield in the FA Cup First Round, this time against Gainsborough Trinity where a draw at Parkside was followed with a disappointing loss at Gainsborough. The Club’s reputation was further enhanced, when, in the 1954-55 FA Cup Wrexham were the First Round visitors to Parkside Road and had to settle for a 3-3 draw. By the time Grimsby Town visited in 1956 it had been the fifth time in 8 years that Netherfield AFC had reached the First Round stage of the FA Cup. Over 5,000 people packed Parkside Road to watch the Third Division leaders beat Netherfield 5-1, a record crowd and over 500 more than the previous year’s tie against Wrexham. The following year, 1956, Netherfield won the Combination Cup, a Trophy they won again five years later in 1961.

In 1963 Parkside Road again saw Second Round FA Cup action as Netherfield held Football League side Chesterfield to a draw.

The 1963-64 season saw Netherfield finish runners-up to Chorley in the Lancashire Combination, striker Tom Brownlee scoring an incredible season’s total of 76 goals. In January of the following year Brownlee was sold to Bradford City, however Netherfield still managed to win the Combination Championship Division 1 title that year. It was the first time they had won it since 1949 and as a bonus the Reserve team won the Division 2 Championship in the same year.

New Challenges In 1968 the Club accepted the challenge of becoming a Founder Member of the Northern Premier League. However, the 1970s were not kind to Netherfield as they languished around the bottom of the Northern Premier League for most of the decade.

In 1980 Netherfield and Bridlington Trinity set a record for Cup Tie Replays that will likely never be broken, when they played each other seven times in the First Round of the FA Trophy. After a total of thirteen and a half hours match play Netherfield won 2-0 to go through to the second round.

However, the cost to both clubs was dire, a total of £1,800 and it depleted the finances of Netherfield causing the Club to move down into the North West Counties League Division 1 in 1982.

In 1987 the Northern Premier League expanded into a new division, League Division 1 which provided a route back for the Club to play at a higher level as they joined the new Division and in 1998 the Club changed its name to Netherfield Kendal.

The New Millennia In 2000 with the demise of shoe making in the town, and with the Netherfield site now a shopping complex, K Village, the club decided to re brand itself as Kendal Town to reflect its relationship with the town. Although in recent years times have not been easy for Kendal Town

there has been some success on the field, in 2003 they reached the Final of the Marsden Cup and over 400 fans travelled to Accrington to watch them lose 2-0 to Conference side Leigh RMI.

when Preston and England legend Sir Tom Finney OBE was persuaded to become Club President: Sir Tom recounted he had as a teenager been turned down by Netherfield as a player by the Club.

New state of the art floodlights began a slow process of gradual ground redevelopment in 2004 and 2,500 fans turned up to watch the lights switched on and a visiting Manchester United XI Squad. Tony Hesketh returned to the club for a second spell as Manager in 2004-05 steering them to fifth place in the League. In the ensuing Play-off Final the club travelled to AFC Telford as underdogs. Although Kendal could not overhaul the favourites they won much respect from the 4,250 Telford fans watching as they narrowly lost 2-1. Later that year the club entered into partnership with The Westmorland FA and Bolton Wanderers in an effort to improve youth football and coaching. The club achieved Charter Standard status from the FA shortly afterwards and subsequently formed a new youth club in conjunction with local club Wattsfield FC and achieved full Community Charter Standard status in an effort to improve football for boys and girls in the area.

The 2007-08 season saw the club finish in mid table. The following two seasons were Town’s best in the Unibond Premier League where they secured two Play-Off places in a row losing in the Semi-Finals each time. Longstanding Chairman David Willan was replaced by Haydon Munslow in 2010.

2005-06 saw Kendal’s most successful season for 40 years as they achieved a promotion for the first time in their history to the Unibond Premier League. The run-in to the end of the campaign was a nail-biting one and Kendal missed automatic promotion on the last day of the season by a single goal difference. A packed Parkside Road witnessed a pulsating Play-Off Final won by Kendal Town in the last minute when former Manager Peter Smith popped up to score the winning goal against Gresley Rovers to seal a famous promotion resulting in one of the biggest pitch invasions witnessed in Kendal!

The highpoint of the 2006-07 season was off the field, when a long-standing friend of Kendal Town, John Richardson persuaded Preston and England football legend Sir Tom Finney, to come to a home game. After a fine start to the 2006-07 season in the Unibond Premier League, reality kicked in for Kendal Town. After a series of poor results, both in the League and in Cup competitions, Manager Tony Hesketh resigned and was replaced by Club Captain Lee Ashcroft. The Club hovered around the relegation zone for some time but managed to avoid relegation. The highpoint of the season was

Manager Lee Ashcroft left to join Northwich Victoria half way through the 2012-13 season taking many of the playing team with him. Steve Edmondson took over as Manager but despite winning many of the remaining games with a new hastily formed squad was unable to prevent the club being relegated. In 2013 the clubhouse which still runs in private ownership was taken back by the club and renamed by supporters as Finney’s (after Sir Tom). In the same year Kendal Town Ladies was formed and a local Youth Development Centre established.

The 2013-14 season was one of consolidation in the Evo-STIK First Division North. Former club striker David Foster replaced Steve Edmondson as Manager. The season opened with hopes of a PlayOff place, but after a series of indifferent results David Foster departed and his assistant Michael Stringfellow stepped up as his replacement. He was able to produce a number of exciting home wins against highly rated clubs but couldn’t find a consistent run of results.

The 2014-15 started well for Michael Stringfellow with good results. A troubled period then followed with an outside Lancashire based business consortium trying hard to take over the Club.

Internal friction amongst the Club’s members was mirrored by increasingly poor results on the pitch. Chairman Haydon Munslow resigned and was replaced by George Gudgeon. Michael Stringfellow resigned and was replaced by a new coaching team led by Gary Fawcett and the returning David Foster. The consortium withdrew.

Results started to again improve leading to a midtable finish. Further consolidation has continued since.

2018/19 marks the 100th Season for the Mintcakes.

February Player of the Month Our player of the month for February (sponsored by Bowland Brewery) is Aaron Morris, the ever-consistent central defender having already won the equivalent accolade in November.

In a busy month of fixtures, including a couple of cup quarter- final games, there would be no rest for Aaron, who played every minute of every match. With Michael Ellison’s squad plagued by injuries, Aaron took up the mantle and led by example.

Aaron started the month by taking on the added responsibility of captaining the side for the Integro Cup last-eight tie against Trafford.

In the thrilling home victory over Kidsgrove, his contribution could not have been bigger. A magnificent goal line clearance when Runcorn were trailing 0-1 in the first half would prove critical as two very late goals earned the Linnets maximum points, the winner being scored in the 93rd minute by Aaron himself when he coolly rounded the goalkeeper and swept the ball into the net, sparking absolute pandemonium at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Captain’s duty followed once again, this time in the Cheshire Senior Cup quarter-final tie against Congleton Town.

Leading his side against a fast and strong team, the Aaron steered the Linnets through to an impressive 4-1 victory.

A resounding 5-0 victory at Clitheroe gave a welcome clean sheet to the months work for Aaron, and February ended with a very tough home fixture against in-form Mossley with a tight and entertaining game ultimately ending with the spoils shared.

Some changes in personnel in and around Aaron throughout the month didn’t effect his play, and for coming through a difficult month of fixtures with the added responsibility of captaining the team on a couple of occasions, Aaron thoroughly deserves this award.

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Runcorn Linnets 4 Market Drayton Town 1 Saturday 9th March 2019 3pm The EVO-STIK League Division One West Runcorn Linnets responded in fine style to the previous weekend’s defeat at Kidsgrove Athletic with a domineering 4-1 victory against Market Drayton Town at the Millbank Linnets Stadium on Saturday, two goals in each half enough to earn a comfortable win.

There were changes to the side again with Ally Brown, Josh Dobie and Bobby Evans joining the starting eleven, while frontman Tom Bailey made his first league start for the Linnets.

Runcorn got at Market Drayton straight from the kick off, with the pace of Shanley, O’Neill and Gibson making the afternoon a difficult one for the visitors’ defence.

midway the first half, Louis Corrigan and Ryan Gibson both went close to doubling the Linnets’ advantage.

With 38 minutes played, Runcorn did get a deserved second goal. Paul Shanley beat a man as he cut in from the left wing into the Drayton penalty box and was almost brought down by a late challenge.

But he managed to stay on his feet and dink a terrific looped ball to the far post that picked out Tom Bailey, who powered in a header from close range to score his first Linnets goal.

After only seven minutes O’Neill cut in from the left and was tripped in the penalty box with a spot kick being awarded for the blatant foul.

Having had a penalty saved in midweek against Cammel Laird, Louis Corrigan stood aside, allowing Tom Bailey his chance to open his Linnets account. But Tom’s spot kick was casual and too close to the goalkeeper, Ashley Rawlins turning the ball over the crossbar.

Thankfully, for Runcorn it was the smallest of blips, as from the corner kick Peter Wylie forced in a great header at the far post to give the home side the lead.

Runcorn were well in control and felt hard done to on several occasions not to be awarded any additional penalty kicks for what looked like a raft of clear-cut offences in the Drayton 18 yard box,. But the referee, Lewis Raper was unmoved.

Tom Bailey hit a rasping strike from 25 yards that drew a flying save out of Rawlins, and

Two-nil almost became 3-0 shortly before half time, Paul Shanley again causing chaos for Market Drayton as he swung in a cross from the left wing that was carried by the wind, beat the goalkeeper but crashed back off the crossbar before being cleared.

Market Drayton started the second half well and within a minute of the restart drew a great save from Jordan Perrin when breaking into the penalty area at pace. Perrin was quick off his line to make a brave block.

With the half time brews still warm, Market Drayton did get a goal back. A wicked corner kick, helped on its way by the swirling wind, deceived the Linnets defence and allowed Joshua Bradburn to slide in to score at the far post, from inside the six- yard box. Market Drayton had a 10-minute spell where they had plenty of the ball without really threatening Perrin’s goal, but Runcorn soon reasserted their command of the game.

minutes. And as the clock ticked to 90 minutes, the game was put beyond any doubt when Ryan Gibson danced his way into the penalty area and was tripped in a very similar fashion to Liam O’Neill right at the start of the game.

Louis Corrigan put his shooting boots back on and found the top corner with a perfectly-struck penalty, sending Rawlins the wrong way.

Liam O’Neill set up Tom Bailey but his shot was well saved by Rawlins, one of a string of excellent second-half saves by the visitors’ goalkeeper. The best of these came in the 71st minute when Aaron Morris diverted a corner kick goalwards with a header from close range that Rawlins somehow saved on the goal line - a strong left hand not only making the save but turning the ball away from danger.

A minute later, Rawlins denied Paul Shanley who had been teed up by Ryan Gibson, and then it was Gibson himself who drew another fine stop from Rawlins - a back post header being saved, following a sublime cross from Louis Corrigan.

In the 84th minute, Runcorn scored the goal which secured the three points. Market Drayton were incensed that Mitch Bryant, on earlier as a substitute for Tom Bailey, wasn’t pulled up for an offence in the build up to the move.

Bryant fed the ball to Shanley on the left and Shanners took his usual direct route into the visitors’ penalty area, and his left footed shot at goal somehow squirmed through the grasp of Rawlins and dropped in at the far post. It was a goal that Shanley more than deserved for an outstanding performance throughout but the circumstances were cruel on Rawlins after his very impressive afternoon’s work.

Frustration boiled over in the Market Drayton camp when Lyndon Campbell was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge a minute after conceding the third goal, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the final six

This was an excellent performance from the Linnets across the board, one of those games where everyone excelled. If it had not been for an inspired goalkeeping show by Ashley Rawlins then the scoreline would have been different without a doubt.

Ello always demands that his players respond after a defeat, and this was a determined response to the heavy league setback of a week earlier.

We are at home again this coming Saturday when we welcome the Mintcakes from Kendal Town to the Millbank Linnets Stadium. Kick off is at 3pm.

Runcorn Linnets: Jordan Perrin, Louis Corrigan, Aaron Morris, Peter Wylie, Ally Brown, Josh Dobie, Bobby Evans, Ryan Gibson, Tom Bailey, Liam O’Neill, Paul Shanley. Subs: Mitch Bryant.

Not used: Ronnie McCarthy, Zac Aley, Frank Jones, Danny O’Brien.

Attendance: 379.

Ron’s Corner - 60 Seconds with Aaron Morris Q1 - What premiere league team do you support and who’s your favourite player I support Manchester United and I’d probably say my favourite player at the minute is Rashford, but my favourite of all time would definitely have to be Zidane.

Q2 - Best ever goal and who was it against That would have to be against Chester youth team when I was playing for Ashton Town 18s. We played away at the first team stadium and they were by far the best team in the league and I scored with my left foot from about 30 yards and I think we went on to win 2-0 too Q3 - Favourite Linnets moment That’s a tough one, there’s a few... Town away on Boxing Day last season was a highlight...

Lawty scoring on the night we won the league and then the final day of the season when we actually got the trophy, they’re probably my top 3 favourite moments Q4 First club you played for and what league My first club in men’s football was St Helens Town in the counties, I played there for about 18 months and loved it. I’d played a little

bit for Ashton Town and a team local to me, Billinge, when I was 17 Q5 what team mate is the most competitive I’d probably say Mucker or Shanley, they’re always trying to bend the rules to win in 5 a side Q6 apart from football do you like any other sports ?

I’m a fan of most sports to be honest. I’d say the sport I probably watch closest to football would be NFL Q7 who was your football hero when growing up ?

When I was younger, believe it or not, I used to be a striker... I would love watching Thierry Henry when he was at Arsenal, I even asked to wear number 14 for my juniors team Q8 we know your magic and you have a magic hat ? But do you have any other party tricks ?

I wouldn’t say I have any party tricks no... I’ve got a few strikers down my shorts pocket I could pull out though... Just kidding!

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The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets Under the spotlight in our season-long series, whuch is putting all time Runcorn Linnets players in alphabetical order, are the dozen with surname beginning “R” to have appeared for us in competitive football.

RATCLIFFE (Richard) Debut: 05/10/2010.

Appearances: Eight (inc one sub). Goals : None.

Richard joined the Linnets in September 2010, having previously played for Trafford FC, and Leigh Genesis. The front man left to go to Atherton Collieries in January 2011.

RIGBY (Matt) Debut: 12/11/2008. Appearances: 34 (inc 22 as sub). Goals: Four.

Matt originally joined the Linnets after a trial in the 2008 preseason. The left back’s infectious enthusiasm showed through in his performances and culminated in him winning a special achievement award at the end-of-season presentation evening. He returned for second spell at the start of 2010/2011 season. Matt’s other clubs included Helsby, Witton Albion and Barnton.

RITCHIE (Jonathon) Debut: 24/01/2015. Appearances: Two. Goals: None.

Jon became the third ‘keeper to wear the Linnets’ number one jersey in 2014-15 season, having arrived from Vauxhall Motors during the lweek. His debut was a 2-1 victory over Nelson at The Millbank. He also appeared in a 2-0 defeat at West Didsbury in the third from last game of the season on April 18th. Despite the result, this was the day on which the Linnets were confirmed as runners-up in the NWCL Premier Division for a second successive year.

ROBERTS (Jay) Debut: 06/08/2016. Appearances: Six (inc two as sub). Goals: None.

Jay impressed for the new-look Linnets in the 2016-17 pre-season and played in both FA Cup matches against Hemsworth which opened Ello’s first season as manager. The attacking right back had no luck at all with injuries during his stay, these preventing him from establishing a regular place.

Runcorn was his third club in North West Counties League football as he had also had a spell at Bootle.

Jay left in January 2017 to sign for Litherland REMYCA and he he was part of Widnes’ promotion success last season.

ROBERTS (Neil) Debut: 11/08/2007. Appearances: 39 (inc one as sub). Goals: One. Midfielder Neil signed for the Linnets in our inaugural season, but didn’t feature due to injury.

His debut, therefore, came in the first game of our second season, our first in the top flight in the North West Counties League, a 2-2 draw at present-day EVOSTIK promotion rivals, Atherton Collieries.

Neil started the match in central midfield, although he was primarily a centre back. Fans will remember the incident in a game at Abbey Hey, when Neil sustainedva blow to the head - suffering a concussion with caused great concern at the ground and led to an overnight hospital stay.

ROBERTSON (Andy) Debut: 03/08/2013.

Appearances: 45.

Goals: None.

“Rubz” signed for the Linnets just prior to the 2013/2014 campaign on registration with Trafford FC. His previous clubs included Warrington Town. Andy’s debut came in the season-opening 2-1 win at Abbey Hey. He left for Salford City in June 2014 and he is well known throughout the North West, having served various clubs.

ROBINSON (James) Debut: 08/08/2015. Appearances: Five (all as sub). Goals: One. Jay joined Runcorn Linnets in July 2015, having gained a wealth of North West Counties Football League experience over the previous three years. He had made 17 appearances for AFC Liverpool during the 2014/2015 season with later in that season represented played Litherland REMYCA. James spent a season with Bootle and scored at a prolific rate for with the Bucks during the 2013/2014 campaign but left Runcorn Linnets without starting a recognised fixture.

ROBINSON (Sean) Debut: 14/08/2017. Appearances: Five (inc four as sub). Goals : None.

The forward joined Runcorn Linnets while still a teenager. He had previously been on the books at Marine and St Helens.

Sean had won a National Cup with Merseyside Under 16s. He made his Linnets bow as a sub as we notched up our first win of the season at the third time of asking with a 4-0 home win over Colne.

ROGERS (Paul) Debut: 27/10/2007. Appearances: Seven (inc one as sub). Goals: One. Another forward, Paul feature for Runcorn Linnets against Skelmersdale in the 2007-08 pre-season, but didn’t become part of the squad until October 2007. Among his former clubs were Clitheroe and Skelmersdale while he’d also had a stint at Runcorn FC Halton.

He was one of a handful of players signing at around the same time in October 2007 as the team which had won promotion the previous season was dismantled.

The A to Z of Runcorn Linnets Continued

ROLLINSON (Kenny) Debut: 12/08/2006. Appearances: 25 (inc five as sub). Goals: One. Kenny was a young, competitive central midfield player when the club was in its infancy and was in the band of players to wear Linnets colours in our first league fixture. “Rollo” appeared for the club while still a teenager who enjoyed the ‘enforcer’ role in the middle of the park. His earlier career had seen play for Liverpool, getting to play at Anfield, while he had also been on the books of Preston North End and Chester City.

ROSCOE (Tony) Debut: 10/08/2009. Appearances: Eight (inc three as sub). Goals: None.

Tony suffered a serious injury while playing in Sunday football at the same time as he was playing for the Linnets. He sustained multiple breaks to the leg when his studs stuck in the turf and underwent a five and a half hour operation as a result. His debut was in a stunning 5-3 win at New Mills - this being the game in which Paul Crewe scored four, including a hat-trick of penalties - but his time with the Linnets was cut short in October by the horrendous injury.

RUSSELL (Matt) Debut: 15/12/2018. Appearances: Six. Goals: None.

Matt made his Linnets debut at right back in our league victory at Chasetown. The previous weekend he had played against us for Glossop North End, as their captain, in a drawn game at The Millbank Linnets Stadium. Matt is an experienced campajgner at EVO-STIK level. He has also played for Curzon Ashton, Mossley and Radcliffe and left the Linnets soon after arriving to rejoin GNE.

Words by Dave Bettley Pictures collated by Mark Buckley

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