IT’S THE END OF AN ERA FOR LINNETS’ MUCKER
FANS favourite Kyle Hamid has discovered a seven-year itch that he just can’t scratch – his knees just can’t take it anymore.
The Runcorn Linnets captain, affectionately known as ‘Mucker’, has been forced to hang up his boots just 50 games short of becoming the club’s record appearance maker.
‘Mucker’ joined the Linnets in December 2012 after spending 18 months at Warrington Town.
He had previously starred in the League of Wales and also turned out in the Northern Premier League with Marine and Skelmersdale United.
With 261 appearances to his name, he became only the fifth player in a Linnets shirt to chalk up a double century. Only Matt Atherton (313) has made more.
Hamid hangs up his boots with a very prominent place in Linnets’ history having led the club to the North West Counties League Premier Division title in 2017-18 – the club’s first ever title success.
But the midfield playmaker has suffered two serious injuries since – the final straw proving to be a knee injury picked up against Clitheroe in March.
“[I] just want to say thanks to everyone for the messages,” Hamid said on announcing his retirement on twitter this week.
“Thanks everyone at Linnets, old and new; managers, staff, players, fans, I’ve loved every single minute of playing for your club and it’s been an honour to be captain. What a seven years it’s been. Gutted it’s ended like this but my knee can’t take it anymore.
“To all my old teammates, thanks for carrying me. I’ve met some top, top lads and some that I’ll be mates with forever.”
Linnets boss Michael Ellison added: “His attributes and qualities on the pitch were clear to see, but it’s the other qualities he possesses that set him apart – a winner a leader and a captain in every sense of the word both on and off the pitch. He’s been a pleasure to play alongside and an even greater pleasure to manage.”