LINNETS LIVING IT UP IN DOUBLE SWOOP

RUNCORN LINNETS have received a double boost on the eve of their first season in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League West.

New manager Michael Ellison has signed defensive midfielder Ronnie McCarthy and promising teenager Declan Gallagher after both impressed during pre-season trials.

McCarthy, 26, is ready to start a second spell with the Linnets having previously played for the club in 2016 on a dual registration from Skelmersdale United.

He has previously played for Vikings FC (now Widnes FC) and Burscough, but has since had a spell out of the game because of a cruciate ligament injury.

Gallagher, 19, is a tall and confident centre-back who has previously turned out for Vauxhall Motors and Skelmersdale as a youth.

Ellison said, “Declan is a young player with great potential.”

MIKEY NELSON has had a pre-season to remember – he’s not just impressed one manager, but two!

The lively frontman made such an impact playing for AFC Wulfrunians in a friendly against Hednesford Town last week that he ended up signing for the Pitmen days later!

Nelson was invited for a trial at Keys Park after netting in pre-season games against both Hednesford and Stourbridge and turned out for the Pitmen in their 3-2 defeat by Tamworth on Thursday night.

AMBITIOUS Matlock Town have added another high-profile new signing to the Gladiators ranks – experienced winger Adam Smith.

Smith has played well over 300 games in the National League North and higher, including a seven-year spell with Chesterfield and, more recently, with Conference North clubs Alfreton and Gainsborough.

He has also played in the National League for York, Mansfield, Lincoln, Halifax, Wrexham and Guiseley.

Smith, 33, is manager Dave Hoole’s eighth signing of the summer and arrives after impressing in pre-season.