Free-scoring Ryan Brooke stole the show during Runcorn Linnets' end-of-season presentations at APEC Taxis Stadium.

It was a very emotional occasion for all concerned as farewells were said to manager Calum McIntyre, who received a framed photograph from the club as a memento of his successful two years in charge.

Linnets' 34-goal top scorer Ryan bagged a hat-trick of awards - lifting the Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy as Runcorn Supporters Club's Player of the Season and Alan Jones's President's Trophy for leading the club's goal charts.

In the climax to the evening, attended by close to 100 people, he also walked away with the coveted George Worrall Trophy for Players' Player of the Year.

The charismatic centre forward had already claimed the Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division's Golden Boot for his 25 league goals in 2021-22.

He is also a finalist in the NPL Supporters' Player award, which encompasses all four divisions of the league at Step 3/4.

The Phil Tyler Trophy for Young Supporters Player of the Year was claimed by midfield playmaker and set-piece specialist Iwan Murray, who was also in prolific form over the season.

"Magic Murray's" scoring tally of 19 included the spectacular long-range effort against Leek Town, which had already won April's NPL Goal of the Month award and has now earned him the Linnets' Goal of the Season prize, the Bettley Trophy.

This has traditionally been presented in memory of lifelong Linnets fan Wilf Bettley, but now also honours his widow  and stalwart Runcorn supporter Joan, who died in September last year aged 90. 

There was more than a touch of sadness with Calum McIntyre attending the event a day after the announcement of his departure to Chester FC as first-team boss.

The club has nothing but praise and appreciation for Calum's work and overall contribution to the club over 22 months as manager and he leaves with all good wishes for a future, which Linnets fans are sure will be bright.

Calum's final duty was to present his Manager's Player of the Year award to centre half Sean O'Mahony, who he described as  "a warrior".

The Irishman made 48 appearances during the campaign  - more than any other Linnets player.

The manager admitted that saying goodbye to his squad, a special group of men and players, was the hardest thing.

There were two special awards - including one for club captain, Peter Wylie who during the season reached the 100-appearances landmark.

The 23rd player to have chalked up a century since the club's formation in 2006, Peter has been with the Linnets for just one game short of four seasons.

The defender's August 2018 debut came in their maiden NPL home game. 9 The other special award was to Alan Jones for outstanding long service.

Alan had served predecessor club Runcorn AFC in various roles, including youth team manager, executive director and finally club secretary - his efforts ensuring that the club completed what was to prove a traumatic final season in 2005-06.

He was awarded the presidency of Runcorn Linnets when the club was founded that summer and has also more recently been elected to the Trust Board, managing the club shop and licensed bar.

The Noel Bell Award for contribution to the Linnets, presented annually by Sue Bell in memory of her husband, a Supporters Club stalwart, went to Alan Spendlove.

A very popular personality, club volunteer "Spenny" has been involved in many ground improvement projects over the years - his latest to provide additional spectator cover at the Forest End of the ground being his biggest yet.

This was one of two awards, which this year recognised the work of the  club's unpaid workforce.

The inaugural Volunteer of the Year award, sponsored by Diageo and presented on behalf of the  company (owners of Guinness) by Mike McEvoy, went to Tammy Anderson from the club's tea bar.

It was noted that Tammy's dedication to the Linnets is such that she can be found at the ground "on all days ending with a y."

Host for the evening, Trust Board member and Linnets Live Radio commentator, Sam Phillips praised supporters for their backing over the season.

He thanked principal club sponsors APEC Taxis, Complete Security Service and Grangeside for their terrific support before presenting gifts to all members of the management and backroom staff.

To top off the night, Runcorn Supporters chairman Stuart Houghton presented an £800 cheque as a donation to the football club from the fans organisation.

Presentation time - pictured clockwise from top left: Peter Wylie receives 100th appearance award from Trust Board member Dave Jones; Volunteer of the Year Tammy Anderson with Diageo's Mike McEvoy; Club volunteer Josh McCluskey, Ryan Brooke and Stuart Houghton; Sean O'Mahony with Calum McIntyre; Club president Alan Jones and Trust Board Member Josh Christian; Young Supporters Player of the Year Iwan Murray with Michael McEvoy.

Runcorn Linnets are extremely sorry to announce the departure of Calum McIntyre, following his appointment as first-team manager of Chester FC.

Calum has done a tremendous job since becoming Linnets boss in the summer of 2020 and we are more than disappointed to see him leave.

However, it has been clear from day one that Calum has the ability to match his ambition in the game.

The chance has come sooner for him than we would have wanted.

But Runcorn Linnets recognise that this is a unique opportunity for Calum to manage at a higher level with the home city club with which he already has strong connections and indeed supports.

Linnets chairman, Peter Cartledge said : "Calum has built a great and genuine rapport with all at Runcorn Linnets and has been incredibly diligent, honest and professional in everything he has done.

"It has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with him and have him as our manager. We are sure he is destined for big things in his football career.

"He has performed his duties with integrity, a real passion and a sense of pride, while assembling and developing a squad of players with undoubted talent and spirit."

Last season was the Linnets most successful yet in terms of on-the-field performance, reaching the promotion play-off final.

To have got to the very brink of promotion from the Northern Premier League West Division was against all odds.

The Linnets chairman added: "Calum deserves every credit for achieving this in his first completed season in charge.

"We thank Calum for his major contribution and total commitment during his time as our manager.

"He has put his heart and soul into the role and we wish him every success as he moves on to familiar pastures new."

Calum will attend our Awards Evening as scheduled tomorrow (Friday) to say his fond farewells.

Equally, we are sure fans will want to show him and his backroom staff our appreciation as a club while recognising the terrific performances of our players over the season.

Runcorn Linnets are inviting applications for the position of club manager, the person specification and process for applying can be found here

TICKETS for Runcorn Linnets Annual Presentation Evening at APEC Taxis Stadium on Friday. May 13th are now available to purchase.

With enthusiasm high after a successful season, demand for tickets is sure to be strong so please book your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are priced at £10 each.

The celebration of a superb campaign - the first to be completed in three years - will feature traditional awards.

The winner of the Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy as Supporters Club Player of the Season will be announced - voting having taken place prior to the recent home game against Leek Town.

There will be awards for Players' Player of the Season (for the George Worrall Trophy), the Phil Tyler Trophy for Young Linnets Player of the Year (as chosen by the growing number of junior fans) and Goal of the Season for The Bettley Trophy.

Special awards will include the Manager's PoY as chosen by Calum McIntyre and the inaugural Volunteer of the Year prize, sponsored by Diageo, owners of Guinness.

Their Runcorn plant at Whitehouse is benefittng from £16 million of investment and we are grateful to the company for their support.

This award will recognise the vast amount of unpaid work, which is at the heart of our fan-owned community football club.

The recipient will receive the trophy in appreciation of the countless hours of dedicated voluntary work by so many in different fields, both on matchdays and behind the scenes during the week.

The awards evening will be hosted by Trust Board member Sam Phillips, whose commentaries on Linnets Live Radio have kept those fans, who are unable to attend matches, informed of fortunes home and away.

The presentation will feature matchday footage, some of it unseen, from our videographer Martin Holding, who has braved allhe majority weathers to capture  the season's key moments on film - from the unique vantage points in our stadium and opposition.

We hope everyone will enjoy the evening.

Runcorn Linnets will look back on 2021-22 with a huge sense of pride, despite the heartbreak of missing out by a whisker on a place in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.

The 16-year-old fans-owned club got to within 19 minutes of a third promotion after leading their home West Division Play-off Final.

Having led from the third minute through divisional Golden Boot winner Ryan Brooke's 34th goal of the season in all competitions, the Linnets fell at the very last hurdle as a powerful visiting Marine side scored twice in eight minutes to secure the spoils.

Disappointment at the result was clear but this in no way diminished the achievements of the club over a record-breaking campaign, which will long be remembered and savoured.

Nobody associated with the club will forget the moment at Prescot Cables when their play-off spot was secured, or the 4-1 win and stunning display in the semi-final at Leek Town.

It was a campaign in which new standards were set on the field while attendances soared beyond all expectations, crowd records tumbling at regular intervals. The Play-Off Final saw the Linnets take the aggregate attendance at their stadium past 100,000.

Tickets for the 1,600 sellout final, this a new club and stadium best attendance, were the hottest in town.

Linnets' highest turnout for a league game is 1,015 (for the final game of 21-22 versus Colne).

Late twists and turns in a tight race for the play-off spots had seen Runcorn achieve their highest ever Step 4 placing, against long-established clubs with bigger financial muscle. Runcorn were more than up for the fight.

It was a delight to be able complete the season and reflect in the traditional way on its highs and lows (although there were not many of the latter) after the two previous Covid-curtailed campaigns.

Having already laid firm foundations, young boss Calum McIntyre has slotted important building blocks into place, continuing to develop an excellent playing environment with his coaching skills, man management and meticulous attention to detail.

Our staging of the final at short notice has attracted a lot of positive comments as have the quality and performance of our team and the sportsmanship and behaviour of our fans.

We are already looking forward to welcoming back our fantastic supporters next season!

We are advising ticket holders for tomorrow's sold-out Pitching In Northern Premier League West Division Play-off Final against Marine to arrive as early as possible.

There are roadworks near to the APEC Taxis Stadium, so those travelling to the match by car should allow extra time for their journeys.

Please do not come to the ground if you don't have a ticket as all tickets have sold.

There will be no admission on the day without a ticket.

Arrangements for entry to the ground are as follows:

Purchasers of tickets on the Runcorn Linnets website should enter the ground by Turnstiles 1 or 2.

These are our normal turnstiles and will open at 12 noon.

Those who have bought tickets from Marine's website should use Turnstile 3.

This is the gate closest to the red brick building, looking downfield from Stockham Lane.

Season ticket holders and Trust Members, who purchased match tickets from the Clubhouse today (Friday), are asked to enter the stadium via the official clubhouse entrance.

Normal ground safety regulations apply. Security checks will be in operation at admission points.

Free car parking is available at the stadium. This is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis.

There is no overflow car parking at the ground tomorrow, at the request of the baseball club.

Due to events taking place at Ormiston Bollingbroke Academy and Brookvale Recreation Club, there is no parking at either venue.

If possible, please travel to the game by public transport, APEC Taxis or car share.

Temporary toilets will be provided inside the ground to supplement our usual facilities.

In addition to our usual bar, there is an extra sales point for draught Madri at the rear of the clubhouse!

Our tea bar and both licensed bars will accept card and cash payments.

Souvenir programmes, priced £2, will be on sale inside the stadium.

The ground will obviously be very busy tomorrow and we ask everybody attending to be considerate to others and patient with (and respectful to) our matchday volunteers.

We hope everybody enjoys the day and that the final is fitting of the occasion.