Skipper Kyle Hamid is a second Runcorn player who will start the new season with the "other Linnets" of Burscough as he battles back from a long injury lay-off.

Kyle missed the second half of last season after knee surgery and while he was the first squad member to commit to The Millbank for 2019-20, he now requires game time to return to optimum fitness.

He has worked extremely hard on his rehabilitation but his involvement in pre-season matches has been limited.

It has now been decided that the best option is for Kyle, like  Runcorn team-mate Mark Houghton, to complete his recuperation in the North West Counties League with Burscough - and return to the Runcorn ranks when 100% ready.

Linnets manager Michael Ellison said: "Mucker has worked extremely hard in in pre-season, after getting the all clear from a scan in the summer.

"He's done relentless running and gym work on his own to get to the stage he is at now and the next progression for him is games, which again he will get at Burscough.

"He's been a huge loss for us over the last few months and it has been a frustrating time for him and the club. But I really think he's not  too far off.

"The sooner he's back in a Runcorn shirt the better."

Runcorn Linnets are delighted to report that Mark Houghton has signed for the club for 2019-20 after a season-long absence through injury.

But initially, he will continue his recuperation from the career-threatening groin problem and his efforts to regain full match fitness on a dual registration with Burscough of the North West Counties League.

The long-serving front man resumed playing this summer, marking his Runcorn Linnets pre-season comeback game at Barnton with a goal.

It came just a few minutes after Mark's introduction as a sub.

Linnets manager Michael Ellison said: "It's great to see Houghto back in a Linnets shirt and to have him back in and around the place. He's part of the DNA of the club.

"He's as popular with the players as he is with the fans. He is a huge asset to have when he's fit he just needs game time which he will get at Burscough after a long spell out.

"I'm certain it won't be long before he is playing competitively in Runcorn colours once again."

Unselfishly playing on despite his ongoing injury worries, Mark played 40 times, contributing 11 goals, to our North West Counties League title success in 2017-18.

He began his playing career at the top of the non-league ladder with Southport in the then Conference (now National League Premier).

Mark joined Skelmersdale United in 2010 and later moved to Chorley under the guidance of Garry Flitcroft - winning the Northern Premier League First Division North title before returning to Skem.

The fast-moving striker joined Runcorn Linnets in December 2012 and scored in our League Challenge Cup final victory over Formby in May 2013.

Mark has had a major influence with his consistency, knack of popping up with important goals and versatility.

He can play in the wide positions, behind the front men or as the main striker - a role he successfully resumed over his last two seasons of football.

Mark has also worn the Linnets captain's armband on a number of occasions.

By the end of 2017-18, he had accrued 76 goals  in his 212 Runcorn Linnets outings before unfortunately sitting out our inaugural Northern Premier League campaign.

Paul Shanley put the Linnets ahead from from just inside the area in the 4th minute. In the 29th minute the Linnets substituted Zac Aley for Kurt Sherlock. In the 29th minute Warrington were awarded a penalty. Warrington Town pulled level in the 30th minute with a penalty. Warrington Town put one past us in the 52nd minute. Warrington Town increased their lead in the 56th minute with a goal from Josh Amis. In the 59th minute the Linnets substituted Tom Owens for Peter Wylie. In the 59th minute the Linnets substituted Ryan Wade for Ronnie McCarthy. In the 72nd minute the Linnets substituted Ally Brown for Michael Simpson. In the 72nd minute the Linnets substituted Louis Coyne for Nick Ryan. In the 77th minute the Linnets substituted Paul Shanley for A Trialist.

Runcorn Linnets manager Michael Ellison has bolstered his already strong-looking left field options by re-signing experienced campaigner Warren Bellew.

Warren has most recently been playing in local football but has looked fit, sharp and hungry since linking up again with the Linnets squad this summer.

His most recent senior club was Colwyn Bay in the Northern Premier League.

Warren has already had two spells with Linnets and brings plenty of NPL knowhow, having also played for and against us in North West Counties League football.

Best known as a wide player, he can also play centrally.

Earlier in his career, Warren represented Clitheroe and Prescot Cables while a spell at Skelmersdale United saw him land the EVO-STIK League North title.

Warren first came to the attention of Linnets fans through his exploits at Runcorn Town as a team-mate of now Millbank favourite Paul Shanley, the pair building a prolific partnership.

Warren had two spells at Pavilions, initially joining from Widnes amateur side St Michael's DH. His overall goal return of 52 in 156 games for Town was exceptional for a winger.

He later moved to the Linnets under Joey Dunn's management in November 2013 but made just 10 appearances in Yellow and Green during 2013-2014 - largely due to an injury.

However, he resumed the following season.

Warren went on to serve Marine, eventually returning to the Linnets in November 2017.

His second debut came off the bench in a home FA Vase second- round tie against Sunderland RCA.

He did not stay long enough to play a significant part in our NWC title-winning run but now has the chance to bring his influence to bear on the 2019-20 BetVictor NPL North-West season.

Warren starts his third Linnets stint on 35 appearances (including 19 as sub) and five goals.

Manager Michael Ellison said: " "What can I say about Warren?

"Everybody knows what he brings to the table - he's a real technician, he's got a wand of a left foot. He brings with him a wealth of experience and he's a great lad to have in and around the dressing room..

"I think it's safe to say we've not seen the best of him in his previous stints at the club but I'm positive that will change this season.

"He's in the best shape I've ever seen him physically and mentally and I'm delighted to have him on board."

Runcorn Linnets have drafted Harry Cannon-Noren into their squad for the 2019-20 BetVictor Northern Premier League campaign.

Harry played in the club's opening friendly, largely to help out the depleted Linnets but so impressed that he has ended up being signed by manager Michael Ellison.

Although they might not have realised it, many of the club's fans will have caught a glimpse of the newcomer's ability ahead of arrival at The Millbank.

The versatile attacking midfielder scored a superb solo goal against Linnets for league rivals Clitheroe last season - riding three challenges on a run from deep to finish emphatically. However, Runcorn went on to win the home NPL West Division game 2-1.

Harry played for hometown club Southport's Youth team before playing in the Under 23s at Morecambe, from where he moved to Clitheroe on loan.

His other former clubs include Hallmark Security League side AFC Liverpool, who he joined in January of last year.

Harry was a Development Squad member at Liverpool FC as a 12-year-old, transferring to Blackpool aged 13.

He helped his high school team to national championship success.

A natural athlete, who was also a promising sprinter in school days, Harry uses his speed and strength to good effect on the football field.

Although primarily a right-sided player, he can operate anywhere across midfield.

Linnets manager Michael Ellison said:

"Harry came in our first pre- season game against Euxton to help us out as we were low on numbers - and really impressed.

"Since then, he's gone from strength to strength. To say he's an athlete is an understatement. He's quick, powerful, can play in a number of positions and as we found out last year he has an eye for a goal.

"There are things he needs to work on but I've no doubt he will improve. He's got an excellent attitude and a determination to go with it. I'm looking g forward to working with him this season."