We regret to pass on very sad news on the death of another of our stalwart fans.

John Roach passed away recently, aged 86, having loyally followed the Linnets since the 1950s.

As a supporter of Runcorn AFC, John would watch games from the popular side, sharing his traditional 'speck' behind the dugouts with good friend Derek Thompson.

In more recent years, he enjoyed supporting Runcorn Linnets and, true to form, his favourite spot was likewise on the dugout side, where he this time stood with pals Peter Hoxworth and Bryn Jones.

We were extremely sorry to hear of John's death and are thinking of his family and friends at this distressing time.

Picture - John Roach (bottom third from left) on the terraces at Canal Street with Derek Thompson to his right.

Runcorn Linnets can confirm that Iwan Murray has left the club.

We have been very fortunate over the last couple of seasons to have watched Iwan in the yellow and green.

It will not come as any surprise that he is moving on.

He has been an outstanding performer throughout his time with us and deserves to show his skills at a higher level.

Iwan is considering a number of options and while he hasn't yet decided on his destination, we know that he will be successful.

It has been a real pleasure to get to know Iwan and his family, and we wish them all the very best for the future.

Midfielder Iwan scored 25 goals in 61 appearances for Linnets, earning the admiration and respect of all associated with the club, and leaves us with a lot of happy memories.

Runcorn Linnets are extremely disappointed to report that Ryan Brooke, having agreed terms to stay with us in the coming season, has today informed the club that he is signing for Warrington Rylands 1906.

We were delighted when Ryan, given his scoring profile and cult status with the fans, shook hands on a deal with our new manager Dave Wild after receiving an offer from Rylands.

The Northern Premier League West Division champions have since returned with an improved financial package - one that we could not match, even if we wished to.

As fans ourselves, the Trust Board shares the anguish our supporters will feel at losing a player of Ryan's calibre.

We did all we could to try to keep him and, as with all our players, he has been well looked after during his time with us.

The club thanks Ryan for his outstanding contribution, particularly his scoring feats of last season when he won the NPL West Golden Boot.

It isn't the first time we have lost an influential player and we move on in the knowledge that we have always recovered from such blows in the past.

Runcorn Linnets supporters took Dapo Olarewaju to their hearts from the moment he first walked through the door.

So they will be delighted to hear that the winger is returning to APEC Taxis Stadium for another season with us.

Dapo arrived at Linnets from German football in December 2020, only to see the campaign promptly shut down due to Covid.

However, he came back bright and breezy last season and made himself a firm favourite.

Opposition defences have invariably struggled to cope with his explosive pace and he also has the knack for scoring.

In 2021-22, Dapo made 43 appearances, including 17 starts, and chipped in with 11 goals.

Linnets followers will be confidently predicting another big contribution from the personable wideman next time around.

Great to have you back, Dapo!

Runcorn Linnets manager Dave Wild has rounded off his backroom recruitment by signing up Billy Paynter as first-team coach.

As a former professional player, who made close to 500 appearances in the English leagues, Billy is as experienced as they come and he also brings a strong coaching pedigree.

The now 37-year old scored 131 goals in 529 league and Cup games during an impressive 17-year playing career as a striker.

Billy's involvement in coaching has included service to the Academies at Everton and Port Vale, being appointed Professional Development Phase Lead Coach at Vale Park in early November 2020.

He stepped down from his role at the end of May 2022.

Wild said: "We are delighted that Billy has agreed to join us on this journey we are all beginning together.

"He is a huge name with an unbelievable amount of experience in both the world of playing and coaching and I believe can bring in valuable support for all."

Born in Liverpool, Billy began his playing career with Port Vale in 2000, and made one than 150 appearances in his six years in the Potteries, being voted Player of the Year in 2005.

Billy was sold to Hull City in January 2006, before moving on to Southend United eight months later.

His career suffered something of a hiatus but after a loan spell at Bradford City, it was reignited at Swindon Town who he joined in August 2007.

Averaging more than a goal every three games with the club, he transferred to Leeds United in June 2010. Billy then joined Brighton & Hove Albion on loan in October 2011, before taking a free transfer to Doncaster Rovers in August 2012.

He helped Rovers to win the League One title in 2012-13 before being loaned out to Sheffield United in January 2014.

Billy signed with Carlisle United in June 2014, moving on to Hartlepool United after 12 months.

He had 478 League outings with 116 goals.

Billy dropped into non-league football for a brief spell with Warrington Town in November 2017 before finally hanging up his boots.

Billy's coaching portfolio also features work at Yorkshire-based RIASA (Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy).