Runcorn Linnets appoint new manager

Cooke, 38, was most recently in charge of Atherton Collieries where he departed at the end of the 2022/23 season.

As a player, he made 265 appearances for the Colls, and a further 126 matches as manager before ending his decade-long partnership with the club, leaving them safe in the NPL Premier Division in 18th place - their highest-ever league finish.

He also has further managerial experience from his time at NWCFL side West Didsbury & Chorlton, which is where he first linked up with Sadler.

The duo will now re-connect at the APEX Taxis Stadium, to fill the void left behind by Antony Kay, who departed last week.

On his appointment as Linnets manager, Cooke said: "I've got a real good vibe and a real good feel of what the club is all about I have obviously watched Runcorn Linnets from afar.

"I have played against them for a number of years, and I have seen how successful they have been.

"The fan base is one of the biggest attractions and I'm delighted to be here. I guarantee everybody that I will give it everything that I can."

"We've got three cups that we're still in. I am classing the play-offs as one of those. Let's try as go as far as we can in all of them and let's make some memories."

Runcorn Linnets chairman Peter Cartledge added: "Brad was a target in the summer but unfortunately we couldn't get it over the line. The timing wasn't right.

"To get it done at this stage of the season now with a good run-in to look forward to I think is really exciting.

"Brad and Rob, his assistant, are great guys and I am sure they'll fit in really well here.

"They come on the back of an incredible amount of positive feedback from some very, very good people in football, who I have got a lot of trust and respect for.

"When you listen to Brad getting interviewed, he leaves everything out there. He's very positive, he's very honest and I am hoping he'll be able to ignite things here.

"I don't think anyone can doubt his experience and expertise, certainly at this level and the level above."

Cooke and Sadler will take charge of their first game for Runcorn Linnets this Saturday when Vauxhall Motors visit the APEX Taxis Stadium in the Northern Premier League.