Storks snap up striker

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League newcomers Padiham have snapped up Runcorn Linnets hot-shot Rob Whyte.

Whyte played almost 200 games in two spells for Linnets to become their record appearance holder and goal-scorer. He was their leading scorer last season in the North West Counties League as they won promotion and in total found the net 63 times for his former employers.

Whyte is the latest signing by First Division North Padiham's manager Steve Wilkes and follows in the footsteps of Liam Blades, Lewis Jordan and Spencer Jordan who've all signed from NWCL neighbours Barnoldswick Town.

The former St Helens and Prescot Cables forward is looking forward to working under Wilkes for the second time, having first played under him at Runcorn Linnets as captain.

Whyte said: "I am really looking forward to working under Wilkesy again. He is one of the best man managers I have worked with and his assistant Steve Cunningham was my captain at Linnets until his move to Colne FC and we formed a very good friendship.

"I know Wilkesy will get the best out of me and I am looking forward to the challenge of the NPL and competing for a place in the attacking line up that proved to be one of the most feared last season."

New Evo-Stik NPL manager Wilkes believes his new striker can take the league by storm next season after arriving at the Arbories Memorial Sports Ground.

Wilkes, who's lined up pre-season friendlies against a Burnley XI, Skelmersdale United and FA Cup winners Wigan Athletic, said: "This is a great capture for Padiham. Rob will bring a new dimension to the squad. He has bags of potential and when fully fit there is not many better at what he does on the field. I am delighted he has committed himself to us after a number of clubs were speaking to him.

"We have a great squad of players that created some history last season and we need players that will fit into the vision we have as a group and Rob is the ideal fit with a great attitude and professionalism backed up by undoubted talent."