Replacement is the Wright fit
MANAGER Chris Herbert has admitted he did not want to lose Ryan Cox but believes the club have a ready-made replacement in teenager Leon Wright.
Cox signed for Runcorn Town from Bootle during the summer and scored 11 goals in 12 games before re-joining his former club last week.
The forward netted a brace in his final appearance for Town – a memorable 4-2 replay win over Guisborough in the FA Vase last Wednesday evening – and Herbert believes Cox’s departure opens the door for other members of his squad.
“Ryan wanted to go back and play at Bootle where his friends were and enjoy playing with his friends and help them out because they’ve not been on a good run,” he explained.
“[Bootle] beat us [4-2 at the beginning of October], which is a good result for them, but they’re not doing as well as expected at the minute but I expect them to be back up there because they’re a very good side with the likes of Ryan signing for them.
“Players come and players go – it’s not a problem for me.
“You don’t want them to leave, but it happens and you go and get someone else in or you give someone else a chance to stand up and be counted.”
Herbert earmarked Shaun Weaver as one potential option after his brace against Guisborough but singled out young Wright for specific praise.
The teenager started his first game of the season in the FA Vase victory and also impressed off the bench in Saturday’s dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Charnock Richard in The Macron Cup.
“He’s 16 and he started last ● Striker Ryan Cox – pictured celebrating his goal against Penistone Church in the FA Cup back in August – has left Runcorn Town to return to ex-club Bootle; (inset) teenage forward Leon Wright who has impressed in his early outings for Runcorn. Wednesday,” Herbert added.
“For a 16-year-old it was unbelievable. I’m pretty sure he’s going to make it as a player if he keeps doing what he’s doing.
“For a player that age to be at this level, pushing the likes of Dale Jennings and Jamie Menagh for a starting role, it’s unheard of.
“Leon will make it, he’s just got to be patient.
“He’s got to learn from the lads playing in front of him and he’ll go far.”
Runcorn return to Hallmark Security League Premier Division action this Saturday afternoon as they welcome Burscough to the Viridor Community Stadium.
Town are currently two points behind leaders City of Liverpool in the HSL Premier Division after winning 10 of their opening 13 games this term. Saturday’s game kicks-off at 3pm.
Runcorn are without a midweek game although their FA Vase second round tie at Vauxhall Motors has been brought forward 24 hours to a week tomorrow – Friday, November 2.
That match has a 7.45pm kickoff time.