Dapo Olarewaju has become the eighth player so far to confirm that he is staying with Runcorn Linnets - and the winger is guaranteed a particularly warm welcome back from fans.

A hugely popular figure at APEC Taxis Stadium, Dapo hasn't featured for Linnets since going off injured in the 2-2 draw at Hanley Town in mid-January.

Prior to that, he had appeared 25 times in 2022-23, scoring two goals.

Dapo's explosive pace and ability to change games were sorely missed in the second half of the season.

Having him fully fit and raring to go again will be a massive boost for the Yellow & Greens.

Another three of last season's playing squad have pledged their continuing allegiance to Runcorn Linnets.

Striker Jamie Rainford, also the club's assistant manager, has along with centre half and vice-captain Sean O'Mahony and midfielder Eden Gumbs agreed terns with boss Billy Paynter - taking the number of "stayers" confirmed over the last two days to seven.

Jamie, a seasoned goal scorer at various non-league levels, is in his second spell with the club, having rejoined last summer to become player/assistant boss.

He was well in contention for the Northern Premier League West's Golden Boot award until being struck by injury.

Jamie came back in the final throes to make three cameo appearances. His 20 goals in 38 outings included three penalties.

Sean has been a mainstay of the Linnets defence since signing in September 2020.

The Irishman had another big season in 2022-23, following on from the previous campaign when he made more appearances than any other Runcorn player and won the Manager's PoY award.

Sean has now passed 100 games for Linnets.

Eden, a firm favourite at his hometown.club, in summer 2021 became the first to graduate from Runcorn Linnets Under 21s into the senior ranks at APEC Taxis Stadium.

His adaptability has seen him operate at left back, in midfield, on the wings or in attack.

Eden's scoring performance in last season's West Division Play-off Semi-Final win at Leek Town was arguably his best yet in Linnets colours.

These three signings are all subject to approval by the FA and/ or the Pitching In Northern Premier League.

Pictured, clockwise, Jamie Rainford, Eden Gumbs and Sean O'Mahony.

Billy Paynter has begun the process of assembling his squad for next season with four key players having agreed to extend their stays with Runcorn Linnets.

Club captain and left back James Short, midfielder Lewis Doyle, striker Ryan Brooke, and goalkeeper Danny Taberner were instrumental in our impressive league and cup campaigns in 2022-23.

They will be pivotal figures as we again chase promotion from the Pitching In Northern Premier League West, after being pipped at the post in our last two attempts.

James Short slotted seamlessly into the role of skipper in 22-23, having previously been vice-captain - his leadership qualities and experience shining through in his performances.

Now on the brink of 100 Linnets appearances, 'Shorty' will complete the century in his first game of the new season.

Lewis Doyle has likewise had a big part to play in Runcorn becoming a force at Step 4, be it as a holding midfielder or, as was often the case last season, in a more progressive role.

'Doyley' scored in both the semi-final and final of the West Division play-offs in 22-23 and was the choice of his team-mates for Players' Player of the Year.

Ryan Brooke resumed his role as the team's talisman on rejoining Linnets early in the season after a shortlived exit to Warrington Rylands.

His goal return of 54 in 96 appearances in the Yellow & Green speaks for itself.

'Brooky' netted 16 in 34 last season. His spectacular effort, direct from a free-kick in the league victory at home to eventual champions Macclesfield landed him the Goal of the Season accolade.

Danny Taberner was widely acclaimed as Linnets' star player of 2022-23, having joined us in pre-season, and he is rated by our fans the best 'keeper in the division.

'Tabs' was Supporters Club Player of the Year, also landing the equivalent Young Supporters ward and getting the vote of Billy Paynter as Manager's Player of the Year.

The four signings, all subject to approval by the FA and the NPL, will give the boss with an ideal start to his recruitment with more moves to follow from within the existing squad - further news on this soon - and in the transfer market.

Pictured left to tight: Danny Taberner, James Short, Ryan Brooke and Lewis Doyle.

The Pitching In NPL West Division is taking shape after the Football Association's announcement today of club allocations for 2023-24 season.

Vauxhall Motors join as champions of North West Counties League Premier Division from which Avro are also promoted.

Hednesford Town, Nantwich Town and Stalybridge Celtic have been relegated to the division from Step 3 while Chasetown have been moved laterally.

NPL West loses Macclesfield Town and Workington, following their promotions to the NPL Premier, while Glossop North End, Colne and Ramsbottom United all take the drop through relegation. Skelmersdale United have been demoted due to ground grading issues.

Allocations across the country are subject to appeal by clubs and final FA confirmation.

Some highlights from our first-team awards night as captured by club photographer Tom Paul.

Clockwise, from top left: Players' Player Lewis Doyle and skipper James Short; Triple PoY Danny Taberner with Phil Wainwright (Supporters Club treasurer); Goal of the Season winner Ryan Brooke and Trust Board member Jack Walsh; Chairman Peter Cartledge with community officer Josh Christian; Leading scorer Jamie Rainford and club president Alan Jones (club mascot Ron Corn getting in on the act); Young Volunteer winner Dan Jago with dad Jeff Jago, the club's vice-chairman and treasurer.