McKenzie makes it a Linnets first

Sep 18 2008 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUNCORN Linnets have secured the services of talented midfielder Nehru McKenzie by making him the club’s first-ever contract player.

Manager Steve Wilkes said: “It’s fantastic news for us as Nehru is one of the best young players that I’ve ever worked with.

“He has great ability and fitness levels and we’ve missed him while he’s been out suspended.

“We all had to bend over backwards to get Nehru on board as the lad had big money offers from other clubs.”

He added: “However he enjoys it at Runcorn, he loves the fans and the players and this is where he wants to play his football.”

It now means that if McKenzie is wanted by another club, Linnets can command a fee.

The Runcorn supremo poured similar praise on some of his other players after Tuesday night’s 3-0 victory over Atherton Collieries, in the Vodkat League Premier Division, with goals coming form Michael Morrison (2) and Steve Pickup.

Wilkes said: “Michael Morrison will obviously get the plaudits because of his goals, but the likes of Robbie Holcroft and Stuart Telfer were standout performers.

“Also, Rob Whyte has been an absolute revelation this season.

“I assured him at the start of the season that he would get a fair crack of the whip after not getting a look-in last time he was here.

“He’s played out of position for us on the left for most of the season but he has a fantastic attitude and he was probably the difference between the sides on Tuesday night.”

Runcorn will be without Robbie Holcroft when they play host to Bacup Borough in the FA Vase on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).

The number one goalkeeper and assistant manager is away on holiday and will miss the club’s next two matches.

Linnets return to league action on Tuesday, travelling to Winsford United.

In the event of a draw on Sunday, Linnets will travel to Bacup on Wednesday evening for a replay, meaning that the Winsford game would be postponed until a later date.

Linnets this week confirmed that Dave Thompson has left the club.

Thompson, has followed cousin and fellow former Linnets forward Thomas Lamb to Warrington Town.

The pair had previously enjoyed forming a formidable strike partnership for the Linnets.

Wilkes said: “I for one did not want Thommo to go.

“But when a player shows a desire to leave and signs for a club who are willing to pay him a lot more money than we could offer and football at a higher level then it’s hard to keep him.

“He’s left on very good terms and I’ve told him if it doesn’t work out then he knows where we are.”