Hardwick returns to Linnets
RUNCORN LINNETS boss Michael Ellison has further strengthened his defensive options with the signing of Tom Hardwick.
Experienced former Warrington Town centre-back Hardwick returns to the club after a spell at Colwyn Bay in the Evo-Stik League.
Hardwick had originally joined in December 2015 before moving on to the Welsh outfit the following summer.
The player, whose brother Rob has also represented Linnets, brings a wealth of Evo-Stik League experience.
A left-sided centre-half, he also appeared at left full-back during his initial stay with Linnets.
A solicitor by profession, he started out in senior football at Southport and has since had a couple of spells at both Skelmersdale United, with whom he won promotion to Evo-Stik League Premier Division in 2013 and Warrington Town.
Hardwick’s first spell at Warrington was under the management of the now Widnes FC manager Joey Dunn, who later introduced him to the Runcorn line-up during what proved to be his final season in charge at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.
The signing comes a week after the Linnets’ capture of utility defender Kieran Nolan from Northwich Victoria.
Meanwhile, Runcorn Linnets’ Hallmark Security League game at West Didsbury & Chorlton has been rearranged for Saturday, February 11 following the postponement of the fixture in November. ● After their weekend 4-1 home victory over Wallasey Wanderers which saw them into the Cheshire FA Ladies Cup quarter-finals for the first time, Runcorn Linnets Ladies have been drawn away to Stockport County Ladies.
The tie will be played on Sunday, February 19. ●