Deals of pleasure
CHRIS HERBERT has spoken enthusiastically about his new Runcorn Town signings as the club continue to make waves in the transfer market this summer.
Runcorn lost Craig Cairns and Joe Holt to City of Liverpool FC at the beginning of pre-season but have since brought in striker Steve Lewis, Chester youth captain Ryan Dobson and re-signed Carl Rodgers from Flint Town United.
Herbert also confirmed last week that the club had moved to sign Sean Weaver from Capenhurst Villa.
“We’re trying to get the fitness on board and get to know our new signings a little bit more,” the manager said.
“Sean has come in and he’s been very impressive since he came in.
“He’s 6ft 2in, an imposing midfielder, likes a tackle, wins his headers and has everything we wanted in a player.
“He’s going to be a very good signing for us.”
Herbert had similarly encouraging words for Dobson.
The young centre-back captained Chester’s youth team to five trophies last season, including the North West Alliance Premier Division and the National League U19 Cup.
Dobson made his first start for Runcorn in their 4-3 friendly defeat to Airbus at the end of last month and Herbert was impressed by what the starlet offered.
“Ryan did well. He played 90 minutes and got himself through it,” he said.
“I’m impressed with his attitude and he’s a ball-playing centre-half.
“Size-wise he doesn’t look the biggest but he’s still strong in the air and he’s a good player.
“He’s going to be a good player in the future and I’m very pleased with him so far.”
Town will travel to Hemsworth in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup this season.
They are exempt to the first round of the FA Vase.
The FA Cup encounter is scheduled to be played on Saturday, August 11 with the winners receiving £2,250 and the losers £750.
Meanwhile, Town have announced the continuation of their sponsorship agreement with Viridor Energy from Waste, who have extended their agreement for another two seasons.
A further agreement has been reached that their ground – Pavilions – will be renamed and known as the Viridor Community Stadium, Runcorn.
The club’s commercial man- ager, Alan Bennett, said: “Following many long and protracted discussions with Viridor, we are delighted to have reached agreement with Viridor EfW to continue our association with such a prestigous local company who have the interests of the local community in mind at all times. “This is a two-part agreement. “Firstly, Viridor EfW will continue to be the club’s main sponsor for another two years and secondly the company reached agreement to rename our ground which will be known as ‘The Viridor Community Stadium’ following the closure of Pavilions Club.”
He added: “We would also like to thank Pavilions (Severn Leisure Ltd) for their valued and kind support of the club over many years.”
A spokesperson for Viridor EfW commented: “We are delighted to continue our support of Runcorn Town FC and wish them every success in the coming seasons”.