Derek Greenwood was interviewed on BBC Radio Merseyside about the funding for the new Ground at Halton Sports. You can listen to the interview by clicking here.

The Football Stadia Improvement Fund, supporters of the Football Foundation, and the largest funder of non league football in the country, today announced a grant of £93,331 to Runcorn Linnets FC.

This award will enable Runcorn Linnets FC to build a new ground at Halton Sports in Murdishaw, enabling the club to return to Runcorn for the 2010/2011 season.

Over £100m worth of grants provided by the Premier League and The FA has already been invested by the Football Stadia Improvement Fund since its launch in July 2000. This is funding lower league ground improvements throughout professional and amateur game, creating a safe and modern environment for fans and players to enjoy the game.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund and Football Foundation, said: “On behalf of the Football Stadia Improvement Fund I am delighted to be able to award this grant to Runcorn Linnets FC.

“A vibrant community team is vital for the future of football. The Football Stadia Improvement Fund’s aim is to revolutionise funding for the grass roots in the same way the professional game has been transformed over the last ten years. I pay a particular tribute to the hard work and dedication to all at the club for making this funding a reality.”

Runcorn Linnets’ Chairman, Derek Greenwood, said: “We are delighted that the Football Stadia Improvement Fund has supported our Return to Runcorn project. It's difficult to express the gratitude that we have to both the FSIF, and Halton Borough Council, for believing in the club and its plans, but I would like to thank them most sincerely.

“Now that the funding jigsaw is complete, then the orders can be placed, and the construction phase can begin. We are still thoroughly committed to having the project complete in time for it to be graded for use in the 2010/2011 season.”

Here are the results of the Runcorn Supporters Club Christmas Draw:

Runcorn beat Witton Albion in the Cheshire Senior Cup Quarter Final at Wincham Park with a score of 0-1. Paul Fildes in 20th minute. Dempsey and Witton No5 sent off in 43rd. Runcorn under lots of pressure in last quarter.

Match Report

Steve Wilkes has appointed Ian McGarry, BBC Radio Lancashire's Non-League "Guru", as his joint Assistant Manager. We'd like to welcome Ian to the club, and wish him all the best.

You can read a little more about Ian on the league's North West Side Stories website.