Two new faces for Runcorn Linnets

22 Jan 2024 By James Gordon

Promotion-chasing Runcorn Linnets have bolstered their squad with the arrival of two new faces.

Teenage midfielder Eric Byrne has joined the club from 1874 Northwich, while winger Kieran Knapper has also arrived from Kidsgrove Athletic.

The Merseyside-based Byrne was formerly part of the Tranmere Rovers academy and featured in their 2022/23 FA Youth Cup campaign.

Spells at FC St Helens and Runcorn Town followed for the 17-year-old, who joined 1874 ahead of the 2023/24 season and made 11 appearances in total, scoring once.

Also arriving at the APEC Taxis Stadium is Knapper, who links up with the club after one-and-a-half seasons with Kidsgrove.

During that time, he made 67 appearances for the Grove and scored 12 times.

He previously featured for Sandbach United then Vauxhall Motors, and will link up against with former team-mate and current Linnets man Will Saxon.

Billy Paynter's side currently sit third in the Pitching In NPL West Division, nine points behind leaders Leek Town.

Both Byrne and Knapper could go straight into contention to feature against Vauxhall Motors on Saturday.

Photo credit: 1874 Northwich

Where next?

Solomon-Davies departs Atherton Collieries Atherton Collieries have confirmed that defender Josh Solomon-Davies has left the club to pursue opportunities in UEFA football.