Manager Calum McIntyre has given his thoughts ahead of the first home warm-up outing of the summer against Linnets legend Matt Atherton's Euxton Villa in a free admission game this Saturday (ko 3pm).

In a special update for members and supporters, he reflects on pre-season progress so far and praises the efforts of his staff, players and also the club volunteers who have put so much into preparations for the homecoming.

Calum says: "Pre-season is now well under way and it has been really enjoyable to come back together and begin preparing for the season ahead. "We were very clear how we wanted to structure our pre-season programme this time around.

"We are approaching a really exciting part of the pre-season programme as we make a long- awaited return to our home ground.

"It has been 203 days since we last fielded a side in front of our home supporters and we are genuinely excited for our return against Euxton Villa on Saturday.

"Following Saturday's game, we will have an exciting run of games, hosting Runcorn legend Liam Watson's Southport before EFL League 2 outfit Hartlepool United visit us the following Saturday.

"We then face Pilkington FC on Tuesday 20th July to complete a run of four home games.

"To have so many home games in such a short space of time is really exciting and gives our supporters a real opportunity to see what we are looking to produce for the season ahead.

"To be able to face a variety of opposition including sides in the National League North and the EFL is really exciting for everyone involved at the club.

"The Hartlepool game obviously catches the eye and we are really grateful to Dave Challinor and his team for visiting us as they prepare for life in the EFL.

"Chall is a friend of ours and we look forward to welcoming them to Runcorn.

"I am really pleased with how pre-season has gone up to now. The physical aspects of pre-season are glaringly obvious but there has been a measured and specific approach to this and I believe we are already seeing the positive results within the group.

"We don't run for running's sake, we have clear targets to hit and really believe in what we are trying to do in terms of developing the physical aspects of our group.

"The attitude of the players has been fabulous and it has made for a really good atmosphere during training sessions.

"As well as the physical aspects, it's vital we begin to establish an identity as to what we want to be with and without the ball.

"The players were given really clear targets in the opening two fixtures, generally focusing on the way in which we built attacks in possession.

"As the opposition changes, it gives opportunities to look at different aspects and be challenged in different ways and we are really pleased with the variety of games that we have to play prior to the season starting.

"It isn't about being the finished article during pre-season, nor about chasing results and looking for all-round performances.

"It is about improving week on week, isolating key areas to improve and then working in those areas.

"Our first session back was a meeting where we made clear what would be expected, what we wanted to be and how we would get there in terms of on the training pitch.

"The players have bought into this immensely and we are pleased with the opening block of work.

"I was delighted to have been able to get so much of our recruitment done at the earliest opportunity to allow us to really work with our group rather than be looking to recruit heavily during pre-season.

"Last season we had a really mixed bag during the pre-season period. We wanted to combine the normal pre-season components while at the same time introducing some key themes and also viewing players we had inherited as well as trialists alongside our new recruits.

"This time around, we have a much more settled group.

"We would look to add in two areas prior to the start of the season and I think that can be seen in the specific areas of the pitch our trialists have featured in.

"We knew the areas we wanted to improve from last season. We felt we had a group worth retaining and with the right additions, generally to make us a little bit more dynamic, we could develop a really strong side.

"Our youngest players are a year older and the core of experienced players continues to ensure we have a platform to build upon.

"I am very fortunate to work with these players but also to work with the outstanding backroom staff we have here at Linnets.

"The attitude of our group of players has been superb since we returned.

"I feel we have a talented group who are determined to do everything they can to try and achieve something for Runcorn Linnets over the coming season.

"We won't ever be perfect and I am clear that even with any success we might achieve, there will be significant bumps along the way.

"When we aren't good enough, that rests with me.

However, be reassured, there is a real desire and appetite amongst the players and staff alike and a real belief in what we are trying to do.

"I have spoken at length about how determined we are to be a team that is worthy of supporting and we have done everything we can to do that despite the challenges that have come our way, largely out of our control, over the past 12 months.

"I have said time and time again that anything we achieve will be done together and that process of togetherness starts on Saturday with our return to our home ground.

"I really look forward to seeing our supporters on Saturday as you return to YOUR ground to watch YOUR team.

"The work that has gone on during the summer from our outstanding team of volunteers is immense.

"If our football team matches the work ethic and commitment of our volunteers each week, then we won't go far wrong.

"Thank you for your magnificent support, we can't wait to welcome you back where you belong to play your part in the season ahead."

The club is delighted to announce an exciting additional home pre-season friendly to our existing schedule - we will host League Two newcomers Hartlepool United on Saturday, July 17th.

The game is a big boost for us as it's very rare that we get chance to pitch ourselves against EFL opposition.

Hartlepool, who beat Torquay United on penalties in the recent National League play-off final at Bristol City's Ashton Gate to regain their place in the League, are managed by the former Tranmere Rovers player Dave Challinor.

Our assistant manager Colin Woodthorpe was right-hand man to Dave when the now Pools manager was in charge at AFC Fylde, the pair coming within a whisker of taking the Lancastrians back up into the fourth tier of English football.

Dave's knowledge of the North East scene was a particular help to us last season whenever we faced opposition from that area.

The Hartlepool game will be an excellent test for our players as well as a good occasion as we continue preparations for the forthcoming campaign and we are sure that our visitors will enjoy our playing surface!

The Hartlepool game replaces the home fixture against Pilkington with this fixture now switching to Tuesday, July 20th.

We are most grateful to Pilkington for their co-operation and understanding in the rescheduling of their trip.

Hartlepool are no strangers to the Linnets. The original club, Runcorn AFC twice encountered them in the "proper" rounds of the FA Cup.

In December 1977, the Linnets lost 4-2 in Round Two at Victoria Park - Phil Spencer's goal and an OG being consolation.

This game was notable for the emergency playing comeback of Jim Cumbes (ex- Runcorn, Tranmere and Aston Villa), who came out of retirement to keep goal in the absence of Mal Rawlinson.

Mally had been injured in the initial game of the replayed tie against Southport in the previous round.

The other meeting with Pools was at Canal Street in November 1990 when Hartlepool, (with a squad featuring the future Liverpool, Everton and Scotland star Don Hutchison), comfortably triumphed 3-0 in Round One.

Hartlepool were members of Division Four (equivalent of the modern-day League Two) on both occasions.

Runcorn were a Northern Premier League club in 1977 and in 1990 were playing in the GM Vauxhall Conference (now National League).

Kick off for the pre-season game against Hartlepool is 3pm and admission will be by ticket only.

Admission will be £7 for adults and £4 for concessions.

Ticketing arrangements will be published in due course on our website and social media feeds.

St Helens Town v Runcorn Linnets

We had our first pre-season game of the 2021/22 season and it was a bit of a cracker. The Linnets ran out 6-0 winners putting in a great team performance, with some brilliant individual displays. Eden Gumbs got his first goal for the senior team to open the scoring and I have to say he looked very assured as he backed himself to get in the position to get the goal after receiving the ball in an unfavourable position.

Iwan Murray was excellent as always and grabbed himself a hat trick, with his second goal being a mazey run from halfway, taking on half the St Helens team and placing the ball in the back of the net. Rhain Hellawell and Ryan Brooke completed the scoring.

MJ Monaghan looked very impressive, and the St Helens defence had no idea how to deal with him as he won both Linnets penalties. He has a talent for putting his body in a position where the defending player can't challenge for the ball without giving away a foul, something I think we will benefit from in the coming season.

Overall, I think Calum will see it as an excellent workout for his players and I'm sure he will have learnt a lot from the game. Personally, I was very happy to be back watching the Linnets and really enjoyed the game and the performance.

Runcorn Linnets Ladies

The Ladies return for pre-season training on 7th July for the start of new manager Dave Todd's first campaign in charge.

We will be entering this season's FA Women's Cup and it would be brilliant if we could get a home draw and progress deep into the competition. We will now be entering the FA Cup, the FA Women's Cup, and the FA Youth Cup and that is great for the club.

200 Club Draw

The June 200 Club Draw will take place live on Linnets TV on Sunday 4th July at 2pm. Just to explain why I do the draws when I do, it is to give people the whole of the month to join or to pay for their number before we do the draw.

The June draw is double your money, so £400 is up for grabs, you can still join in time for the June draw until 11.59pm on Wednesday 30th June. If you would like to join, please follow the link below.

200 Club

Kops and Kids tournament

For the next two weekends we will be hosting the Kops and Kids tournament. We are working with the local police to put on this tournament which all teams can enter for free and it should be a great couple of weekends of football.

There will be games on before our game against Euxton on 10th July, the car park may be busy, so if you can get to the game leaving the car at home, please do so.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update and hopefully I will see many of you on the 10th.

Dave Jones

Chairman – Runcorn Linnets FC

Men's First Team

We have our first pre-season game this Saturday against St Helens Town and I don't know about all of you but I absolutely cannot wait to see the lads back in action and hopefully get a first look at some of the new boys.

Don't forget that our first home pre-season game is against Matt Atherton's Euxton Villa and it is free entry to all fans. It has been so long since we have welcomed you all back to the Linnets and I cannot wait to see the place full of people.

Men's Development Team

There have been some changes to our development restructure since I updated you all on our plans for next season. We will no longer be having a Youth Team and will instead have a young Development Team which will play in the North West U21 Development League and represent the Linnets in the FA Youth Cup.

Ste Chaney will be the Head Coach and his job will be to find and develop the best young local talent who will hopefully go on to represent the club at senior level. Ste already has a success on his CV with the promotion of Eden Gumbs to the first team.

They will be holding trials for players on 11th July, 13th July and 15th July, please see below poster for details. To register for the trials please email [email protected] with your name, age and previous clubs.

Working Party

The Maintenance Team have been working really hard over the last few months and have achieved so much in that time. We are now getting down to the finishing touches so we will be holding a working party at the ground on Sunday 27th from 9am until 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, refreshments will be provided.

See you there.

Volunteers Needed

As we near the start of the new season, we are looking to recruit to some matchday volunteer roles. We are looking for Stewards, Tea Bar staff and Bar Staff and relevant training will be provided.

I have personally found volunteering for the club to be very rewarding and have made some really good friends whilst doing it. If you feel you have the commitment and the passion to join us in any of these roles, please follow the link below and let us know what you would like to do. Trust me, you will not regret it!

Volunteer

Thank you for taking the time to read this update and I'll see you all soon.

Dave Jones

Chairman – Runcorn Linnets FC

Men's First Team

The lads returned for pre-season training this week and it was great to see them all back. The team spirit amongst them has always been great and I'm sure all the newcomers will be made to feel welcome.

Our first pre-season game is away at St Helens Town (tickets are available from them) on 26th June and I personally cannot wait to see them all back in action. Our first home pre-season game is against Matt Atherton's Euxton Villa and as I'm sure you are all aware by now, it is free entry to all fans. I hope to see as many of you there as possible and don't forget to say hello if you see me.

Men's Development Team

Our Development Team have released their home pre-season friendlies which are 1874 Northwich U21s on 18/07/2021, Abbey Hey U21s on 25/07/2021, Bootle U21s on 01/08/2021 and Stalybridge Celtic U21s on 08/08/2021. All games kick off at 12pm, are free to attend and the tea bar and bar will be open.

The Development Team gained promotion last season and next season promises to be a very exciting one. Why not get yourselves down to the Linnets and see if you can spot the next Eden Gumbs?

Season Tickets

We sold over 20 season tickets in the first week of sale and considering that all 2020/21 season tickets will be valid for the 2021/22, I am very happy with that, so a big thank you to everyone who has purchased a season ticket.

If you wish to purchase a season ticket for the 2021/22 season, please follow the link below.

Purchase Season Tickets

COVID-19 Restrictions

We were hoping that all COVID-19 restrictions would have been lifted by the time we play our first home pre-season friendly, however, it has been announced this week that that will not be the case.

Current restrictions allow us 50% of our capacity which means we are capped at 800 spectators and for that reason we will not be returning to ticketing for these pre-season games. Other restrictions such as social distancing will still be in place, however they will not be as onerous as they were previously, so we hope this will not put any fans off attending the Linnets for our exciting pre-season programme.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update and I'll see you all soon.

Dave Jones

Chairman – Runcorn Linnets FC