Runcorn Linnets make four new signings

31 Jul 2023 By James Gordon

Runcorn Linnets have announce the arrival of four new faces as their squad continues to take shape ahead of the upcoming Pitching In NPL West Division season.

Goalkeeper Josh Roberts, defender Harry Hagan, returning midfielder Jacques Welsh and forward Levi Chiduku have all joined the club.

Welsh is a familiar face to Linnets supporters, as he returns to the APEC Taxis Stadium less than a year after leaving for fellow NPL West Division side Bootle.

The former Tranmere Rovers and Bolton Wanderers man has already made 59 Linnets appearances, having first joined the club in the summer of 2020 from Flint Town United.

Manager Billy Paynter has also strengthened his backline with the acquisition of former Everton defender Hagan.

The 20-year-old first joined the Toffees at the age of 10 and went on to spend two years as a professional with the Premier League side.

The former England U16s international featured for their U18s, U23s and youth teams and subsequently had time with Lower Breck and Skelmersdale United following his departure from Goodison Park.

Further up the pitch, tricky forward Chiduku has signed a contract with Linnets following a series of impressive displays during pre-season.

Formerly of Morecambe and Ellesmere Port Town, the winger gained Northern Premier League experience playing for Nantwich Town last season, where he scored once in seven appearances.

He has also had spells with Runcorn Town and Kendal Town.

Linnets' final new recruit on what has proved to be a busy weekend is young goalkeeper Roberts, who will act as understudy for new number one Bayleigh Passant after signing first team forms for 2023/24.

Roberts, who hasbeen with his hometown club since the age of nine, was promoted from the club's now-dormant U21s side and spent much of last season with the senior group as he provided competition for former shot-stopper Danny Taberner.

He featured for Linnets in the Cheshire Senior Cup last year and was one of their youngest-ever first team signings when he made the step up in September 2022.

Their new season begins with a home game against Chasetown on Saturday 12 August.

Photo credit: Runcorn Linnets

Where next?

Dabbers bring in new number one Former Barrow goalkeeper Scott Maloney has joined Pitching In NPL West Division side Nantwich Town.

Veteran midfielder joins Liversedge Liversedge have confirmed the signing of midfielder Simon Heslop following his departure from Scarborough Athletic.