New signings will turn a few heads – Herbert
RUNCORN TOWN boss Chris Herbert says his summer transfer business will “turn a few heads” in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.
Despite losing Joe Holt and leading marksman Craig Cairns to City of Liverpool FC, Herbert – whose side narrowly missed out on promotion to the Evo-Stik League last season – has made several astute additions to his squad.
Chester City youth captain Ryan Dobson was the first through the door at Pavilions, with Town beating off competition for the young defender.
Steve Lewis – a replacement for 44-goal Cairns – signed from Welsh outfit Holywell Town before Matty Woodward and Carl ‘Bruno’ Rodgers both returned to the club after spells away.
“We’ve always got a plan for when someone leaves,” Herbert said when asked about his dealings this summer.
“Craig and Joe had two good seasons with us and now we move on. That’s it, but we always have someone in mind. You never know in football. Craig and Joe have been loyal and now they fancy a change, fair enough. Players do it, managers do it. Players come, players go. That’s how football is at every level.”
Despite Hallmark Security League Premier Division rivals City of Liverpool convincing Town’s star striker to make the switch to the TDP Solicitors Stadium, Herbert had a warning message for The Purples.
“City of Liverpool are really going for it. Good luck to them. I have no problem with teams having extra money,” Herbert said.
“They’re good signings [for Liverpool] because they’ve been our two better players for the last couple of years.
“But we’re also bringing quality in, that’s the other side of it.
“We’ve got a few coming in that will turn a few heads and are fresh to the league.”
Town kick-off their pre-seaon campaign this Saturday when they visit Airbus UK Broughton.
The Wingmakers had a good season last time out, finishing in third place in the Cymru Alliance, their first season back in the league after 14 years playing in the Welsh Premier League. Saturday’s match at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium kicks-off at 1pm. ● Season tickets are now on sale for Town’s 2018-19 campaign.
The constitution of the League has changed this season as part of the re-organisation of Step 5 football with just 20 teams in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division now as opposed to 23 last season.
As a result, the price of season tickets has reduced due to less league games that will be played, with prices as follows: £97 (Adults) £48.50 (Concessions). Once again if fans purchase their season ticket early, they will also get free entry to all of the club’s pre-season home games, with matches scheduled against Blacon Youth Club (July 7), Trafford (July 14), Warrington Town (July 21) and Marine (July 24).