Linnets lose Braine power

Aug 7 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

STRIKER Vinnie Braine has walked out on Runcorn on the eve of the new Vodkat League Premier Division season, which opens at home to Silsden this Saturday.

Braine wants to join rivals New Mills in time for this weekend but Linnets’ board were yesterday holding out for seven days’ notice.

Runcorn manager Steve Wilkes said: “It doesn’t make any difference to me. He’s gone now.

“His exact words were that he wants to play with better players and in a better team.

“When somebody says that, you really don’t want him round the place.”

Braine made his final appearance in Saturday’s 4-1 drubbing by AFC Liverpool.

Meanwhile, frontman Michael Morrison turned in his ‘best 45 minutes of football for us’ as Linnets drew 2-2 in Tuesday’s final friendly at Bamber Bridge.

Dave Thompson also impressed Wilkes, both when wide right and up front.

New signings Ged Courtney and Rob Whyte are other attacking options while trialist Robert Grimes, who scored Runcorn’s second at Bamber Bridge, could yet be taken on.

Defender Robbie Moore has already signed. Joe McKane (two games) and Michael Young (one) are suspended.

Runcorn Town (Clint Burton) drew 1-1 with Vodkat League new boys Robin Park on Tuesday. The reserves (Alex Cunningham, Pete Murphy and Danny Cummins) beat Lostock Gralam 3-2.