Runcorn Linnets likely to be given green light to build new ground at Halton Sports in Murdishaw.

Jun 11 2009 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUNCORN Linnets took a giant leap towards returning to the town this week after a report from a key council officer recommended that the club receive a grant of up to £100,000 to relocate to Halton Sports in Murdishaw.

Linnets, are expected to receive the green light for the move in time for the start of the 2010/11 season, when the council’s executive board meets next Thursday, June 18.

The proposed new facility will offer a new high quality floodlit pitch, seating and standing areas for spectators, changing, hospitality and training facilities and will be co-funded by the club, the council and the Football Foundation.

During the club’s three year ‘Return2Runcorn’ fundraising campaign, plans had been made for a move to a new development at Riverside College in the town.

However, the report shows that these plans proved to be unaffordable, with the council owned Halton Sports site proving to be the “most effective option”.

Delighted Linnets chairman Derek Greenwood said: “We would like to offer sincere thanks to the council and the football foundation for their invaluable help and advice in securing a cost effective project for the club.

“After considering all the options, this offers much greater viability and opportunity for expansion in the future than our original plans at the Halton College Campus site.

“We would like to put on record our thanks to the governors of Riverside College for the understanding they have shown us throughout our negotiations.

“I hope Linnets fans will be delighted with this news and see it as a major step in the club’s development.”

Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council added: “Runcorn Linnets are an important part of the community and the council has been working hard with the football club to bring the Linnets back home.

“We are delighted we have now found a viable way to do this and are committed to making this happen as soon as possible.”

The Council will now be consulting residents and the current users of the Halton Sports site for their views on the plans.

Meanwhile on the field, Linnets are inviting players aged 18 years and older to contact the club regarding the possibility of attending open trials this pre-season.

Would-be players are being asked to text trials@rlfc.info plus their name and e-mail address to 07766 40 41 42, or send contact details via the contact us page on the club’s website at www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk/Feedback.

Finally the club are also inviting players who currently play at North West Counties or Vodkat League level to attend pre- season training which starts on the June 30.