The latest transfer activity at Runcorn Linnets has seen more signings on and off the field.

29-year-old former Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham goalkeeper Andy Coughlin has joined us from Colwyn Bay - our second capture from the Seagulls in 24 hours, following the arrival of James Ellison.

6ft 3in Andy was previously involved in two FA Trophy finals with Wrexham and has also represented England C.

He had earlier made two EFL appearances for Tranmere after graduating from their youth ranks.

Dave Wild has, meanwhile, begun to piece together his backroom team with Jack Gleave joining us as sports therapist, having already worked with our new manager at both Mossley and Matlock Town.

Sports rehabilitator Luke Davies has left the club and we thank Luke for all his hard work while wishing him every success for the future.

Meanwhile boss Wild has confirmed that David Phillips will remain on the Linnets staff as goalkeeper coach.

David has been a valuable member of the backroom team since 2012-13, initially serving as assistant kitman.

We've had a busy and eventful few days at Runcorn Linnets.

To recap, and ensure everyone is fully up to date, here is a quick round-up:

Dave Wild has joined us as manager after two years as assistant boss of Matlock Town.

The Glatiators last season reached the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-offs.

Commitment for next season has been quick to follow from important players from our 2021-22 squad.

NPL West top scorer Ryan Brooke, Sean O'Mahony (our highest appearance maker last term), hometown striker Eden Gumbs plus midfielders Lewis Doyle and Louis Hayes have all confirmed they are staying.

The manager has made his first new addition to the existing squad.

Ex-Colwyn Bay and Marine wideman James Ellison joins us.

We have also said goodbye to more favourites from last season.

Joe Lynch and Lloyd Marsh-Hughes have left to sign deals at Chester FC - Lloyd having been with us on loan from the Deva - while Alex Downes has returned to former club Colwyn Bay for family reasons.

All three were instrumental in the memorable run to last season's West Division play off finals and leave with our very best wishes - as does first team coach Mike Allcock.

Mikey has joined the backroom staff being assembled by former Linnets manager Calum McIntyre at Chester.

Runcorn Linnets are delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Wild as our new boss.

An ambitious young manager, with a strong coaching background, Dave has an impressive track record in terms of club success and player development.

Dave, 34, has managed at our level with Mossley but spent the last two years as assistant at Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division club, Matlock Town.

He helped to steer the Gladiators into the play-off semi-finals after a fourth-placed finish in 2021-22.

Manchester-based Dave, who outside football teaches PE in behavioural education, has now decided that the time is right to revert to being a No.1 and believes that Runcorn Linnets is the ideal destination.

Dave Wild said: "The club has taken really big strides in the last few years. There is a very strong supporter base and an excellent atmosphere and spirit at Runcorn Linnets. I really wanted to be part of it."

Dave has a good range of  managerial experience behind him, initially as assistant boss of Maine Road and Northwich Victoria.

In January 2017, he became first team manager of Stockport Town, leading them - at 28 years old - into the Cheshire Senior Cup final as the lowest-ranked club ever to have achieved that feat.

Dave moved to Mossley in March 2018, initially as joint manager before taking sole charge in summer 2019.

His 89-game stint featured 39 wins with 17 draws, the Lilywhites also making the Manchester FA Premier Cup final.

He departed for Matlock in February 2020 to assist his former Mossley deputy Paul Phillips, and left Causeway Lane earlier this week.

Our new manager is a UEFA-qualified coach and football analyst, holding a B licence and currently working towards grade A.

His credentials also include a BSc in Coaching for Performance in Elite Football.

Dave's coaching career began in 2009 as a BTEC coach/educator at Manchester City.

His first venture in non-league football was as lead opposition scout for Curzon Ashton - Dave playing a significant part in their elevation to the National League North.

Armed with FA Youth Awards 1, 2 and 3, Dave has had three spells in Finland, coaching 10-16 year olds at third-tier Tampereen Pallo-Veikot (TVP). He has also worked in Greece.

Dave has mentored players, who have subsequently forged professional careers in the EFL while two other proteges have played internationally for Somalia and Zimbabwe.

He brings an excellent working knowledge of the NPL scene and, has demonstrated dedication and skill in all aspects of club management.

Through experience and achievements at Steps 3&4, he is fully aware what it takes to be successful and is ready and determined to build on Runcorn Linnets' progress thus far as our seventh manager since formation in 2006.

Dave has spoken already with the Linnets players with no introduction needed to top scorer Ryan Brooke with their connections at Curzon and Mossley.

The incoming boss believes that with the majority of last season's squad keen to stay and some new additions, the team will be well equipped to again compete at the top end of the table.

Dave added: "The club has some excellent players who I am confident of retaining.

"The odd ones will inevitably move on but I have had a lot of positive conversations with existing players and also have good quality players in mind to build on the great work Calum (McIntyre) has done."

Runcorn Linnets received 25 applications for the job but chairman Peter Cartledge said Dave Wild was the unanimous choice from a strong shortlist.

He said: "Dave's professionalism, drive, expertise and knowledge of the Northern Premier League were all key factors in him securing the position.

"He is a born winner and I have no doubt that he will do well for Runcorn Linnets and build on fantastic foundations.

"I wish to thank the four, high-quality shortlisted candidates for the time they have given up to apply and be interviewed.

"All five interviewed extremely well but Dave was the standout candidate."

In a move which will come as no great surprise, first-team coach Mike Allcock has parted company with the Linnets to join our former manager Calum McIntyre at Chester FC.

Mikey had been with us since the start of the 2020-21 and despite losing half of that season to Covid-19, he made a big impact at the APEC Taxis Stadium.

A successful and well-rounded coaching team, also including assistant manager Colin Woodthorpe, has now been reunited at Chester.

Mikey will succeed Calum as head of Academy at the Deva Stadium while also having a role on the first- team coaching staff.

Mikey will need no introduction as during his time with Runcorn, he was also assistant Youth team manager with the Seals and lead technical coach with their Academy.

We thank him for his excellent work at Runcorn Linnets and wish him well in his new roles.

Runcorn Linnets Under 21s men are looking to build on last season by adding to their young squad ready for the 2022-23 season.

With the success in recent seasons of graduates such as Eden Gumbs (pictured) into the Linnets first team and others now plying their trade in the North West Counties League, playing in the North West U21s Development League Premier Division for Runcorn Linnets really offers players an opportunity and a pathway to progress.

With home games and training sessions all taking place at APEC Taxis Stadium, the facilities on offer to players really are first class.

A trialists' game has been arranged for Thursday, June 2nd 2022 with a 7pm kick off at Helsby Sports Club, Chester Road, Helsby, WA6 0FX.

Players who are interested in attending to showcase their talents will need to either direct message the Under 21s' Twitter account @LinnetsU21 or email [email protected]

Manager Dean Vian, who is assisted by Brenden Rowley, said: "We already have a squad with fantastic potential and are looking to add further quality to the current group to really kick on next season and have a crack at challenging at the top end of the league.

"We are looking for committed players, who are able to train each week and play games on Sundays. In return, they will receive quality coaching and first-class facilities.

"Our aim is to keep producing players who can make that step up to the first team and impress the new first team gaffer when appointed."