Dave Hopley, Director of Millbank Group with Linnets Chairman, Derek Greenwood
Picture by Stuart Bogg Imaging

Millbank have been principal backers of the Linnets since February 2010, when work began on a new home town ground for the club and the leading engineering recruitment business secured naming rights on what was to become known as The Millbank Linnets Stadium.

An initial three-year agreement, also including shirt sponsorship, was renewed at the start of 2012-13 season as Millbank, based at Mill Bank House in Northway, Runcorn, took up a two-year option to continue their association with the Murdishaw-based outfit.

Now, with the final season of the present deal under way, one of the best-supported clubs in the North West Counties Football League has been given the perfect fillip as it tries to go one better on last season's runners-up finish in the Premier Division.

The new contract is again worth a substantial undisclosed sum and will help the ambitious fan-owned club continue to plan for what looks set to be a bright future.

The Linnets are also in the final throes of negotiating a replacement lease with Halton Borough Council in a move which will see the Linnets take on responsibility for the remainder of the Halton Sports Ground site and invest in facilities outside the main stadium as a base for their junior and women's teams and the wider community.

The junior section is also welcoming new teams with the established Halton Girls Football Club joining an ever-growing stable as Runcorn Linnets Girls for 2014-15.

The men's first team and Runcorn Linnets Ladies will along with a revamped Runcorn Linnets Youth side continue to wear Millbank-branded kit both at home matches and in away fixtures throughout the region.

Derek Greenwood, chairman of Runcorn Linnets, said: "As our main sponsors for the last four years, Millbank have been tremendously supportive and their extended sponsorship is invaluable to us as it will assist hugely with fulfilling our aims and ambitions and help us to build on our progress so far.

"I am sure Millbank have enjoyed being associated with the Linnets and saw further reward for their commitment when we were voted Cheshire's Charter Standard Club of the Year for 2014 by the County FA.

"Millbank's continued long-term backing is a major vote of confidence in the club.

"The Millbank Linnets Stadium is now firmly established as one of the town's premier and most recognised sporting venues and as a club, we wish to thank Millbank for all they have done for us since we returned to Runcorn and helping to put us firmly back on the footballing map."

David Hopley, director of The Millbank Group, said: "Runcorn Linnets have achieved much since we first took on their club sponsorship in 2010.

"Since then, they have established strong community roots. We have seen a season-on-season improvement in the playing performance of the senior men's team while also witnessing the emergence of a ladies' team.

"This year will also see more budding juniors coming through the ranks than ever before and that is extremely positive in fostering the talent of young local players, building their character, giving them a focus and promoting general well being.

"We are very pleased to extend our main sponsorship and look forward over the next four years to the Millbank-backed Linnets continuing to flourish and prosper at the heart of the sporting communities of Runcorn, Halton and Cheshire."

Runcorn drew with 1874 Northwich in the North West Counties Premier League at The Barton Stadium with a score of 0-0. Richie saves a disputed penalty in 21st minute.

Match Report

Runcorn beat Silsden in the North West Counties Premier League at Keighley Road with a score of 2-3. Silsden went ahead in the 4th minute. Silsden increased their lead in the 36th minute. Martin Crowder closed the gap in the 50th minute from a free kick just outside the area. Kevin Towey equalised with a penalty that sent the keeper the wrong way in the 55th minute. Franny Smith put the Linnets ahead with 3 to go with a cracking strike from outside the area.

Match Report

Cole Ashton has been released to sign for St Helens Town. Cole has lacked match time this season and it was felt this would be a good opportunity to help him achieve full match fitness again. We wish Cole all the best.

Defender River Humphreys and striker Lee Thompson have joined Kidsgrove Athletic of the Evo-Stik League Division One South on a dual registration.The move is designed for the pair to gain match fitness after their inactivity in the early part of the season.