An eye-catching midfield performer and the opening goal scorer in Saturday's warm-up win at Barnton, Tom Owens has now signed forms (subject to international clearance) at Runcorn Linnets for the new season.

It ends a long wait for Linnets to land Tom, who first appeared for the club last pre-season.

An experienced player who has starred on both sides of the Atlantic, Tom is the founder and Head Coach of Tom Owens UK, a coaching school which has supported high-level professional players.

The 27-year-old has also worked for Liverpool FC's International Football Academy in USA.

Tom, a native of Halewood, spent five months playing for Radcliffe Borough (now Radcliffe FC) in late 2017 but much of his playing career in England was served at Preston North End with a near seven-year stint in their Youth Academy ending in 2010.

In the States, Tom mixed playing and coaching with academic life, gaining degrees at Notre Dame College in Ohio and Quincy University, Illinois - enjoying success as a player on the college scene.

At club level, he showed his renowned leadership qualities as captain of Michigan Bucks, winning two national championships in the USL Premier Development League, the fourth tier of the American soccer pyramid.

Tom has also played for Cleveland United and in Ontario, Canada for FC London.

In 2017-18, Tom was at Aberystwyth Town, reaching the 2018 Welsh Cup final, and in January 2019, he moved to fellow Welsh Premier League club Llandudno from where he joins us.

Manager Michael Ellison said:

"Tom will be a great addition to this years squad.

"He was with us early last year in pre season and was somebody I was keen to sign but unfortunately he couldn't commit.

"He's a versatile player, who can play anywhere in midfield. He's technically very good, as fit as they come and has an eye for goal.

"I'm looking forward to working with Tom this year."

Runcorn Linnets can confirm tonight that Freddie Potter has been released by the club.

Commenting on his decision, manager Michael Ellison said:

"As a manager you have to make difficult decisions and the decision to release Freddie was a tough one and one I certainly didn't take lightly but one I felt I had to make.

"I'm obviously disappointed with Freddie's comments (over this matter) and the fact he felt the need to make things personal.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Freddie for everything he has done for the club over the past few seasons. His goal scoring record speaks for itself.

"We wish him all the best wherever he decides to play his football in the future and we move on."

Linnets no 6 put the Linnets ahead in the 28th minute following a cracking strike from just inside the area. Ally Brown put us a further goal clear from the edge of the 6 yard box from a lovely touch in the 32nd minute. With a glancing header that went straight over the 'keeper in the 63rd minute Jamie Rainford put us three ahead. Barnton pulled one back in the 69th minute with a goal from Number 9. In the 73rd minute Mark Houghton made a welcome return to the pitch following a long spell out with injury. Mark Houghton put us three ahead in the 83rd minute from close range with a great tap.

Danny O'Brien is leaving The Millbank with thanks and all good wishes of everyone at Runcorn Linnets.

Right back Danny last season became one of a still relatively rare breed to complete a century of first-team appearances for the club.

He will always be fondly remembered as a key and extremely popular member of our title-wining Hallmark Security League squad of 2017-18.

Danny had joined the Linnets from Cammell Laird in summer 2016 as a midfield player, but successfully converted to become the regular right back.

His quality from set-piece situations - as the taker of penalties, free-kicks and corners - proved a bonus on top of his fine all-round work in general play.

2018-19, Danny's third season with the Linnets, saw regular runs in the side at more of a premium for him. But he still had 25 outings (including 18 starts), scoring seven goals and when called upon, Danny performed in the excellent manner which we had come to expect.

These appearances took his overall Linnets count to 104 (95+  nine sub). Half of his grand total of 20 Linnets goals were from spot-kicks.

Linnets manager Michael Ellison said:

"What can I say about Danny O'Brien? he's been absolutely fantastic for us since he first stepped through the door.

"He was one of the players, who stayed when I first got the job and helped stabilise the club during a difficult period. He was also a massive part of the title-winning side and he will be sorely missed at the Millbank.

"I did try to persuade Danny to stay but I do understand his reasons for leaving. I'd like to wish him all the very best where ever he decides to play his football next season and he will always be welcome back at Linnets.

"Top player, top lad. good luck Dan."

From close range following a great touch A Trialist gave the Linnets the advantage in the 23rd minute. Euxton Villa pulled level in the 34th minute. Euxton Villa scored in the 45th minute.