Boss delight as stars stay Keeper Reid and skipper Thelwell lead the way
PAUL McManus has enjoyed the perfect start to his first summer as Runcorn Town manager by securing a host of first-team stars for next season.
Adam Reid, Liam Turner and Ste Wainwright have all agreed to continue at Town as well as club captain Simon Thelwell and Marcus James.
The manager gave his side a short summer break ahead of his first full campaign in charge but Town returned to pre-season mid-June.
With McManus also looking for new recruits, he is keen to secure the nucleus of the squad that finished seventh in the HSL Premier Division last term.
Goalkeeper Reid was the first to agree terms after appearing in 64 of Town’s last 69 matches since joining from Atherton Collieries in Febru- ary 2018.
“It’s fantastic to o keep Reidy with us s as it is difficult to o find a top keeper r like him,” McManus s said.
“He had a great at season last season and deservedly picked up several awards, including the Supporters Player of the Year award. I am sure they will all be delighted he is re-signing for us.
“I can’t wait for another great season working with him.”
The new campai campaign will mark captain Thelwell’s fourth term at the Viridor but McManus believes the 32-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life after a positional transformation last year.
“Simon has always played further forward but turned himself into a centre-half,” the manager added. “He really y looks at home there e with his experience e and he has made the postition his own now really.
“He is a great lad to have about the club and always gives 110%. The supporters love him and I am really looking forward to seeing how he progresses again this season.”
McManus has now secured the shape of his back-line with fullbacks Turner and Wainwright committing alongside James. FREDDIE Potter has agreed terms to continue at Runcorn Linnets next season.
The talismanic 31-year-old striker was top-scorer last term and will be aiming to fire Linnets into the play-offs and beyond this time around.
Potter has scored 75 goals in 138 appearances since arriving at the Millbank and has become a popular figure amongst supporters.
“It’s clear for everyone to see what Freddie brings to the party,” manager Michael Ellison said after the club confirmed Potter’s deal.
“With his goalscoring exploits over the past few seasons, he’s become a talisman for the club and a fans’ favourite.
“When you actually see his goals-to-games ratio in black and white, it is quite exceptional and I do believe there is still more to come.
“He was really unfortunate last season with injuries which limited his game time – certainly in the second part of the season.
“I know he’s looking forward to a good pre-season and if he can stay injury free, I’m sure we will see plenty more goals.
“It’s great news for the club that he’s committed to another season.”
Potter will be joined by Jamie Rainford at Linnets after Ellison moved to make him the club’s second signing of the summer following Louis Coyne’s move from Prescot Cables.
31-year-old Rainford joins from Evo-Stik West rivals Ramsbottom United after bagging an impressive 22 goals last term.
“Jamie’s goalscoring record speaks for itself,” Ellison added.
“it’s clear what he’s going to bring to the side apart from his goals - a wealth of experience, a winning mentality and it is an understatement to say I’m delighted to have him on board.”
Louis Corrigan has also agreed to extend his stay at the Millbank. The left-back, who is a dead-ball specialist, scored 10 goals in 46 appearances last season. ●