Ex-Linnet returns in number two role
FORMER Runcorn Linnets striker Jamie Rainford has returned to the club as assistant manager amid a flurry of activity at APEC Taxis Stadium.
There are several new player arrivals while a number of last season’s NPL West play-off squad have already pledged allegiance to Linnets for next season, including the division’s 34-goal Golden Boot winner, Ryan Brooke.
Rainford’s appointment means a reunion with new Runcorn boss Dave Wild, who signed him for Mossley from Linnets in November 2019 and also managed Brooke at the Greater Manchester club.
The incoming assistant spent the early part of 2019-20 at Runcorn, scoring five goals in 15 appearances, including 10 starts.
Last season, the prolific now 34-year-old netted 18 times for Ramsbottom United and Glossop North End.
Manager Dave Wild said: “I’m really pleased Jamie has agreed to join me at the club.
“It was essential that my assitant was as committed and hard working to the project at Linnets as I was and he is most certainly that.
“His playing experience and local reputation will play a huge part in the success we aim to bring the club, and the work he’s put in already across the last 24 hours is a testament to him.”
Rainford is the fifth to be named in WIld’s support staff.
Liam ‘Fessi’ Hudson, whose role will include data analysis and player liaison, and sports therapist Jack Gleave both previously worked alongside Wild at Mossley and Matlock Town.
Lifelong Linnets fan David Phillips stays on as goalkeeper coach, the only survivor from last season’s backroom team. Jon Urquhart, a one-time Linnets vice chairman, begins his second stint as kit manager.
Star striker Brooke’s decision to stay is a particular boost for Wild, the club and its fans who have so far seen nine favourites from 2021-22 come back on board.
Attacker Eden Gumbs, midfielders Jacques Welsh, Louis Hayes, Lewis Doyle and Stuart Crilly plus defenders Sean O’Mahony (who made the highest number of club appearances last season), Ally Brown and James Short are the other players to have already committed for 2022-23.
Wild admitted it had been a hectic start to Linnets life but tweeted: “So glad to have my staff sorted along with player retentions and new signings! Time to get the show on the road.”
Linnets have appointed a new club captain and vice-captain - and both are defenders.
Manager Wild has confirmed that last season’s deputy skipper James Short will step up to the club captaincy after Peter Wylie’s departure earlier this week to City of Liverpool.
Firm fans favourite James has produced a high level of consistency in his performances since joining Linnets from Witton Albion, making the left back position his own.
Central defender Sean O’Mahony will be the deputy to Short in the forthcoming campaign.
The Irishman had a fantastic season in 2021-22, his colossal performances at the heart of defence bringing rave reviews from supporters.
O’Mahony made 48 appearances over the campaign - more than any other Runcorn player. His good form also earned him the award as Manager’s Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, midfielder Joe Lynch and striker Lloyd Marsh-Hughes have left to sign for Chester FC under former Runcorn manager Calum McIntyre.
Marsh-Hughes had been on loan at APEC Taxis
Stadium from the National League North club.
Defender Alex Downes has returned to former club Colwyn Bay for family reasons.
Linnets have also confirmed their seven-game pre-season schedule, launched by a visit to Stockport Town on Saturday, July 16th (ko 3pm).
The home friendlies are against Chester (Saturday, July 23rd ko 5.15pm), Connah’s Quay Nomads (Saturday, July 30th ko 5pm), and Marine (Tuesday, August 2nd ko 7.45pm).