Runcorn Linnets: Four re-sign while Atherton Colls centre half Simon Howard becomes first new capture as training starts at Halton Sports

Jul 2 2009 by Dave Bettley, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

RUNCORN Linnets returned to training at Halton Sports on Tuesday with a new look and manager Steve Wilkes hopes a better attitude.

Wilkes has seen his kitty cut significantly but isn’t complaining as he seeks a fresh start.

“My budget has been cut and rightly so after the performances of last season,” said the boss, pleased with a turnout of close to 30 players for the first session.

“I don’t think the players or myself deserved what they were on last season. We’ve all had to take a cut.”

Skipper Steve Cunningham, player of the year Rob Whyte, young PoY Matt Rigby and Chris Blundell have already re-signed.

Others from last season still in the fold include Steve Pickup, Simon Myerscough and Gavin King.

Steve Wilkes has also made his first new acquisition in Simon Howard from Atherton Collieries. Fellow central defender Christian Liptrot from Bamber Bridge is likely to join him tonight.

There is a host of potential newcomers vying for places and to bridge old and new, the expected re-signing of popular defender Ricky Newell – the club’s first ever captain.

“That one will probably get the fans excited a little bit,” said Wilkes. “He is known as a whole-hearted player who is Runcorn through and through.”

Midfieldman Rob Brocklehurst and full-back Neil Murphy want to give it another go after brief stays under Wilkes’ charge already.

Departures, some of the destinations given unconfirmed and others unkown, include Paul Crewe (Curzon Ashton), Anthony Murt (Clitheroe), Joel Pilkington, Barry Shuttleworth and Barry Massay (all Ramsbottom United), Stuart Telfer, Damien Morrison and Scott Dignan (all Padiham), Michael Young (Formby), Kenny Tudor (retired), Nehru McKenzie and Clive Brown.

Mark Dwyer, is still struggling with the ankle ligament injury sustained at Formby over Easter.

Wilkes, more upset to see some players exiting than others, is pleased to see so many trialists on board.

“I am not saying all of them will sign but we will have a look at them,” he said.

“I have learned a lot. Last season, I was let down by my players and that has never happened to me before. In the last 15 games, I was going to games not knowing who was going to turn up.”

Wilkes is interested in young keeper Andrew Jones, who has consistently impressed against Linnets for rivals Maine Road and is also looking at Caernarfon centre forward Billy Webb.

The Linnets boss said: “It’s a horrible period. I hate it I really do because your players leave and you think to yourself ‘Am I going to get enough in in time?’.

“I think we will have a more youthful-looking side this year where people will come down to play who are not bothered about picking cheques up. Unfortunately last year, we had too many of them.I would rather have players with less ability who are going to give me more and be there week in and week out.”

Linnets have home draws in the early rounds of FA competitions. AFC Emley will visit Wincham Park in the FA Cup on August 15 and Staveley MW in the FA Vase on September 5.