Tributes are being paid to a former Runcorn Linnets Juniors footballer, who has died aged 18 after a short illness.

Luke Mackrell passed away in Halton Haven Hospice on Wednesday of this week, 11 days after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Luke had been with the Linnets Juniors from their time as Inter Union JFC - staying from Under 10s until his team's run in the junior age groups ended at U16s.

He was noted as a talented left-sided midfield player but played in other positions to help out the team, including goalkeeper many times.

Luke's manager all through his time with Linnets, Steve McKenna, junior section committee members, coaches and former team-mates have described Luke as an excellent all-round footballer with a very likeable, infectious and inspirational personality.

The club's Junior head secretary, Ciaran Clotwothy said: 'We are all absolutely devastated at Luke's very unexpected passing and the loss of a lovely lad. No-one ever had a bad word to say about him.

'In fact, Luke was known as the lad who would lift your spirits when you needed it.'

In poignant online tributes, it was also said of Luke:

"He hit up the room with his jokes and never failed to make people laugh."

"He wasn't just a mate, he was like a brother - the boys won't be the same without him."

On leaving the Linnets, Luke had continued his career with another local club, Smiths SD and again proved to be an important and influential team member - sharing in a league and cup double.

Luke had been educated at St Chad's High School in Runcorn.

As a mark of respect, a minute's applause will be held in memory of Luke before kick-off to Runcorn Linnets' next first-team game at home to Ashton Athletic on Saturday, March 4th at The Millbank Linnets Stadium.

The funeral service is at Our Lady's Church, Palace Fields, Runcorn, on Thursday, March 9th at 10am.

All connected with Runcorn Linnets send deepest sympathies and condolences to Luke's family.

Mark Buckley has been appointed chairman of Runcorn Linnets on a unanimous vote of the club's Trust Board.

Paul Eastup was named the new vice-chairman after likewise being nominated unopposed at last night's board meeting.

Mark becomes only the third chairman in the Linnets' ten-and-a-half year history, having been deputy to long-serving Derek Greenwood since the summer.

Derek stepped down from the board and chair earlier this month with Mark taking on the duties of acting chairman pending a permanent appointment.

Mark Buckley said: 'I am thrilled and extremely proud to have been chosen as chairman of Runcorn Linnets.

'Along with the rest of the board, I will do everything I can to help my hometown club achieve its aims and ambitions.

'I am also so pleased that Paul Eastup has been made vice-chairman and know that he too is relishing the challenges ahead.'

Paul is a long-standing board member and part of the financial team at the fans-owned club.

Runcorn beat Ashton Athletic in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division at Brocstedes Park with a score of 0-3. Stuart Wellstead scored for the Linnets in the 7th minute following a cracking strike from just outside the 6 yard box. Mark Houghton increased the Linnets' lead in the 16th minute with a well-placed strike from just inside the area that went in off the post. Mark Houghton extended our lead following a firm tap from inside the area, but Freddie's shot was going in anyway in the 53rd minute.

Match Report

After a few weeks of trials, we are extremely pleased to announce that one of our Linnets Junior Girls has been signed by Manchester City Girls.

Amy Meadows, who plays for our U13's Yellows Girls team this week put pen to paper and has been signed to Manchester City Girls.

We're sure you all wish Amy, like us here at Linnets, the very best of luck with her new team.

Good luck, Amy we'll be watching your progress!

Runcorn drew with Winsford United in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division at Barton Stadium with a score of 1-1. Zac Aley scored for the Linnets in the 6th minute from a THROW IN. Winsford United equalised in the 40th minute with a long range shot. Winsford #9 off in 89th.

Match Report