Michael Ellison has every right to feel like he has completed his first new signing of the summer with the news that Michael Simpson is putting pen to paper on a new deal.

With 174 appearances already under his belt at Linnets, Simmo is one of the most familiar faces in the squad.

However, he wasn't seen on the field anywhere enough during 2018-19, having to reluctantly take on the role of spectator as his season was badly cut short by injury.

Like fellow midfielder Kyle Hamid, Simmo is looking forward to starting afresh and Runcorn's performances in midfield will be all the better for it.

The energetic player's unrelenting support of both the strikers and defence was sorely missed as he featured in less than half of the Yellow and Greens' games last term.

Simmo will also be out to improve on his 23 goals, which have included some explosive efforts from midfield or right back.

Boss Ellison said: "Simmo will be like a new signing for us this season.

"We've really missed his energy and quality in the middle of the park.

"The fact he played a number of games early on in the season with a serious injury - one which caused him a lot of pain - for me just shows the measure of the lad.

"I'm delighted he's committed for another campaign."

Peter Wylie has pledged his future to Runcorn Linnets, having little hesitation in agreeing to sign for the campaign ahead.

Peter joined from Marine in time for the first home game of last season against Chasetown and established himself as a regular fixture in Michael Ellison's team.

He has been a model of consistency in the centre of Linnets' defence, hardly putting a foot wrong, while operating occasionally at right back and in midfield.

Peter's experience of EVO-STIK League football was also invaluable as Linnets settled extremely well into Step 4 life.

His 43 appearances (all starts) were bettered only by fellow defenders Aaron Morris and Louis Corrigan, meaning that Ello was able to field a largely settled back line.

Now Peter is looking to help Linnets build on a more than satisfactory debut season at their new level.

Manager Ellison said: "Peter has been an almost ever present in the side since joining at the start of the season. He indicated pretty much straight away he wanted stay, which is music to a manager's ears. He's been brilliant for us in a number of positions and I've no doubt that will continue in the forthcoming campaign."

The second player to confirm he is staying with Runcorn Linnets is one of our more recent captures.

Defender Ally Brown arrived at The Millbank Linnets Stadium on March 1st this year and finished the season as Michael Ellison's first-choice right back.

The manager will hope that a complete season will give the experienced full back chance to bring his promotion-winning influence to bear.

Ally has helped both Trafford and Warrington Town to go up to The EV0-STIK League Premier Division but it was something he couldn't quite achieve in his first two months at Linnets.

The Runcorn club missed out on a Division One West play-off spot by goal difference.

Manager Michael Ellison said: "Ally has been a great addition to the squad. It's always tough to join a new side at that stage of the season but you only have to look at his performances to see the quality he's added to us.

"He also brings a wealth of experience at this level and I'm delighted he's decided to commit to another season with us."

Long-serving club captain Kyle Hamid is the first player to agree terms with Runcorn Linnets for next season.

Experienced midfielder Kyle, better known at the club as "Mucker", missed the second half of the 2018-19 campaign with a knee injury but is on course to return in time for the August kick off.

The skipper helped to get Linnets off to a flying start on EVO-STIK League debut. His ability and leadership were missed during his long-term absence.

In 2017-18, Kyle became the Linnets' first title-winning captain and his 231 outings rank him as second on  the club's all-time list of appearance makers.

He has scored 72 goals from midfield.

Manager Michael Ellison said:  "I'm delighted to have Mucker on board for another season. Everybody knows the quality he brings to us both on and off the field.

"He was a huge miss for us in the second half of the season. I know he's eager to hit the ground running and get back to the standards he has set in his Linnets career and his form in the first part of last season."

Mitch Bryant has joined Colwyn Bay for the forthcoming season.

The much-travelled striker had two spells with the Linnets, rejoining us in January after a short stint with EVO-STIK League rivals Glossop North End.

Colwyn Bay resigned from Division One West after the campaign just ended to join the Welsh non-league pyramid. They are preparing for life in the FAW Championship North & Mid, part of its second tier.

Runcorn Linnets manager Michael Ellison said: "Mitch has been great for us over the past couple of seasons on and off the pitch - scoring some really important goals in our title- winning season and also this season, very nearly helping us into the play-offs at the first attempt.

"He's a top  lad to have around the changing rooms and will be missed."