Rodney latest to join Linnets
RUNCORN Linnets have unveiled Nialle Rodney as their latest signing.
The 31-year-old most recently played for Ramsbottom United but has been away from the game for a while.
Rodney had two stints at Rammy, playing in between at FC United of Manchester, Lancaster City and Ashton United.
First time around at Harry Williams Riverside Stadium, he was a teammate of Linnets’ new assistant manager Jamie Rainford.
Rainford tweeted: “Massive signing for the club, delighted to land him. A hungry player is a dangerous player.”
Rodney is an experienced and much-travelled forward, who played for Nottingham Forest, Bradford City and Hartlepool United.
In 2014, he retired from professional football to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Rodney started out at his native Nottingham, coming through Forest’s Academy.
After being loaned to Ilkeston Town in 2009-10, his first senior appearance for his parent club was in November 2010, when he cane off the bench against Cardiff City.
A one-month loan deal with Burton Albion in EFL Two was limited to three appearances as he sustained an ankle injury.
On leaving Forest, Rodney went to Bradford City, again in EFL Two on a one-year deal in July 2011.
In October 2011, he moved into the Conference National with Darlington on a short-term loan, the following month heading for Mansfield Town in the same division - also on loan.
The player signed for another Conference club Lincoln City in January 2012 until the end of that season before going to Hartlepool Uniter of EFL Two on a one-year deal after a brief stay at AFC Telford United.
Rodney returned from football exile while he pursued a career outside the sport to play for Grantham & District League team Greyhounders.
He subsequently played for Spalding, Coalville Town, Long Eaton United and Wythenshawe Amateurs.
A Linnets spokesman said: “We welcome Nialle to APEC Taxis Stadium and wish him an enjoyable and successful stay.”
Meanwhile, Linnets are to stage a ‘Meet the Manager’ evening in the APEC Taxis Stadium clubhouse on Friday, July 1st.
Recently-appointed boss Dave Wild will deliver the latest news on his squad building and expand on hopes, aspirations and prospects for the 2022-23 campaign as he settles into the post.
There will also be introductions to Wild’s newlyassembled backroom team.
Assistant manager Jamie Rainford is already familiar as a former Runcorn player and opponent.
First-team coach Billy Paynter, Liam “Fessi”
Hudson (data analyst and player liaison officer), sports therapist Jack Gleave and goalkeeper coach David Phillips, the only remaining member from last season, complete Wild’s support staff.
This is a chance for fans, old and new, to hear at first hand the work they have been undertaking since arriving at Runcorn and to take part in a Q&A session.
A club spokesman said: “The event kicks off at 7pm and we are sure there will be a good turnout as anticipation grows for pre-season games and the kick off to the competitive season.”
The 55th Northern Premier League campaign opens on Saturday, August 13th with West Division fixtures expected to be released in mid-July.*
MIDFIELDER Joe Holt will be joining NWCFL Premier Division side Lower Breck for the forthcoming season.
The 32 year old joined Town initially in June 2016 from Warrington Town and made 85 appearances before joining City of Liverpool.
After winning the North West Counties Premier Division with “The Purps” in 2019 he returned to Runcorn Town and has made a further 86 appearances, taking him to 171 in total, scoring 27 times.
A club statement read: “Joe has been a fantastic player for us and has shown his skill and creativity in midfield as well as an eye for goal. Last season in particular his dedication and loyalty were there for everyone to see as he consistently put in some great performances and scored some important goals.
“He is another popular player who will be missed by everyone and we would like to wish Joe all the very best for the future.