Runcorn Linnets FC has agreed in principle a deal that will see them ground share at Witton Albion's Wincham Park stadium next season. The deal, to be officially ratified by Witton's board in early June, will see the newly formed Runcorn Linnets team playing south of the Mersey and within the boundaries of the Cheshire FA.

Linnets press officer, Steve Pritchard, said "This is a great step forward for us in fulfilling our ambition of fielding a team next season in the North West Counties League. We have to thank Witton Albion for providing the use of their excellent facilities to help us in our formative period".

This isn't the first time that Runcorn have ground shared with Witton. There was a spell some years ago when their Canal Street ground in Runcorn was out of action for repairs, and so the Runcorn fans are no strangers to Wincham Park.

Runcorn Linnets Chairman, Stuart White, said "This offer has been made in the spirit of cooperation and support to a fledging club and its fans. Witton and Runcorn fans have over the years enjoyed a friendly rivalry and both teams have been through hard times. So this offer is good for football, good for the fans and demonstrates the willingness of Witton Albion to help out in a very practical way."

Runcorn Linnets are now to pursue their next aim of securing a place in North West Counties Division 2. With a place to play, of an excellent standard, they hope to be one step closer.

The momentum of the new Runcorn football club that is being formed by the ex-fans of Runcorn FC Halton is continuing to grow. At a meeting on Tuesday 2nd May, the executive committee was established, and one of the first decisions made was that the name of the new club would be Runcorn Linnets Football Club. It was thought that the original "AFC Runcorn" could lead to confusion with the existing Runcorn AFC Ltd, known as Runcorn FC Halton, should it continue to participate in the nation league structure. The next few weeks will be vital to the new club, since it needs to attempt to gain a place in the North West Counties League, and the application date for new entries has long passed. Initial contact with the FA, both nationally and in Cheshire (with whom the club wishes to affiliate to return to its Cheshire Senior Cup tradition) has been encouraging, and the next step is to convince the North West Counties League of the viability of the club.

As part of the big push to get the new club off the ground, it needs to get funds into the club as soon as possible. Not only will this money be necessary to pay some of the initial setup costs to be incurred in the coming weeks, but it will also lend credibility to the business case necessary for the application to join North West Counties.

Some people have generously offered to make donations, and others have suggested a regular standing order would help to provide a level of financial stability that is essential to the survival of a non-league football club. The club is trying to encourage the people of Runcorn to spare whatever they can afford because it all adds up, and will make a massive difference as the club is starting out.

In order to recognise the generosity of those that contribute, the club will have a "Roll of Honour" that will include all the names of the people who make donations to the club in its formative period prior to June 10th 2006. The names of these individuals will be commemorated in match programmes and on the club website.

People with telephone or internet banking can organise payments with the following details:

Account Name : Runcorn Supporters Society Ltd T/A Linnets Independent Supporters Trust
Sort Code : 08-92-99
Account No : 65156575(00)

The Runcorn Linnets club website is now available at www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk with regular updates, and there is an eMail distribution list that fans can join to get the most up to date news.