Club vice-captain Mark Houghton, already one of the longest-serving players in Runcorn Linnets' history, is to continue with the club - although the resumption of his Millbank career will inevitably be delayed.

Striker Houghto last season became only the third to pass the 200 games landmark with the club, following our record appearances holder Matt Atherton and the now Linnets manager Michael Ellison.

The deputy skipper has committed for the forthcoming campaign.

An excellent club man, the former Southport player looks set, however, to miss the start of the forthcoming campaign as he needs surgery on a troublesome groin injury.

'Houghto was hampered by the problem for much of the season just ended,' said team boss Ellison.

'He was prepared to battle through in typically unselfish fashion. However, it has reached the stage now where the injury needs sorting.

'The downside is that he will miss the start of the season but the positive is we can expect to get back a fully fit Houghto, firing on all cylinders.'

The manager added: 'We will need our senior players  and having Mucker (Kyle Hamid), Paul Shanley, Louis Corrigan and Freddie (Potter) committing so early is a massive boost.'

Aaron Morris, one of the central defenders to have been voted Supporters Club Player of the Year over the last two seasons, has agreed a deal to stay at the club.

The 2018-19 season is an exciting step forward for the Linnets and Aaron, who has hardly put a foot wrong since joining the club in the summer of 2016, intends to be at the forefront as the club enters a new EVO-STIK League era.

Manager Michael Ellison said: 'He has been a key part of our defensive unit, initially in the season before last when he was an impressive ever present.

'While our goal scoring record dominated the headlines in 2017-18, our defensive capabilities were equally important to our title run and Aaron played a big part alongside Jimmy Moore, who succeeded him  as player of the year.

'It is great news that an excellent young player such as Aaron has confirmed a willingness to stay with Runcorn Linnets as we move up to the next level.'

Runcorn Linnets have been informed by Stuart Wellstead that he will be moving on this summer to pursue a career in football management.

Linnets manager, Michael Ellison said "Obviously we are gutted to see Stu go. He has been a tremendous player for Runcorn Linnets, his experience and goals have been really important to the club.

'He's been a great lad to have around and we wish him well in the next chapter of his football career".

The Trust Board of Runcorn Linnets has added three members of the club to its number.

The co-option of James Charlton, Jon Urquhart and James Sidwell was agreed at Monday's board meeting.

The trio subsequently confirmed their interest in joining the board.

In Jon's case, it is a return to the board after a few years' absence. Since his last stint, he has served as our programme editor and club photographer.

A lifelong fan, he has spent the last two seasons doing more invaluable work as kit manager - a role in which he will continue.

Jon Urquhart and James Charlton fill the vacancies left by the resignations earlier this year of Karen Boyle and Adrian Taylor. Their appointments restore the board to a full quota of 12.

James is a hard-working member of our groundstaff and along with Chris White, has overseen the pre-season renovation of the stadium's playing surface while also helping to look after the recently-enclosed pitches surrounding The Millbank. He also coaches on the juniors side of the club.

James Sidwell joins the board as an external director in light of his financial skills. His professional experience at Halton Borough Council more than qualifies him for the new role and he will enhance our finance team.

James is yet another all rounder, who as well as being the coach of Runcorn Linnets Ladies is a vital member of our ground volunteer team on first team match days. His duties have typically ranged from setting up the PA system to installing goalposts.

We are delighted to welcome all three newcomers to the Trust Board.

As co-opted members, James Charlton and Jon Urquhart will according to club rules (and should they wish to continue in their posts) stand for election at the Annual General Meeting in December.

James Sidwell's co-option - like that of fellow externally co-opted member, treasurer Phil Wainwright - will be reviewed annually by the Trust Board. Such reviews traditionally happen in January.

FIRST team development at Runcorn Linnets is to be aided with the introduction of our Patrons Fund.

Similar schemes, which see supporters make regular or one-off donations, are already operating at other non-league clubs and have helped specifically and significantly with squad building.

Recent weeks have been very difficult in terms of planning for our next adventure.

As previously communicated, Ello and Crossy have committed to continuing their roles in the coming season.

We are all confident that, given the right resources, we can go on to greater success.

The club has gone to great lengths to support the management team - the playing budget has again been enhanced for the coming season on top of a major increase in 2017-18.

Despite this, a number of fans have questioned the club's commitment and ambition.

We have already repeated on a number of occasions that as a 'fans club', do not have rich benefactors footing the bills.

Anyone interested in the detailed finances will have been present at the Trust Annual General Meeting in December, where a very extensive explanation of our position was given, alongside the accounts and balance sheet of the limited company.

If you were not present, please join the Trust and you will at this year's AGM receive a detailed account - possibly unrivalled in this level of football. This will give a true indication of our financial needs and commitments beyond the playing side of the club.

We are launching the Patrons Fund to give our fans the opportunity to show their appreciation of Ello, Crossy and the title-winning team.

We are hoping all our supporters from all over the world will get behind the club and the money donated will be ring fenced to assist Ello and his management team throughout the season.

For those supporters and businesses that wish to donate, this can be done on a regular monthly basis or one-off donations.

We are suggesting an individual donation of £100 to cover the season.

Cheques should be made payable to Runcorn Linnets FC Limited and sent to Millbank Linnets Stadium, Stockham Lane, Murdishaw, Runcorn, Cheshire. WA7 6GJ.

One-off donations can be made online, if desired. Please visit our Patron's Fund Page.

Those who would prefer to pay by standing order or bank transfer - or supporters who require further information - are asked to email [email protected].