Runcorn Linnets defender Aaron Morris is leaving the club.

The newly-crowned multiple player of the year will move up the ladder to join FC United of Manchester.

FC came in for centre back Aaron at the end of a successful third season for the player at Linnets.

It saw him being voted Supporters Club Player of the Year for a second time while also winning a number of other accolades at Runcorn's end-of-season awards night on Saturday.

Manager Michael Ellison said: "We are obviously sorry and disappointed to see Aaron go as he has been a top player for us.

"We tried our best to persuade him to stay but he was keen to prove himself at a higher level and I am sure he will do well for FC United on their return to the EVO-STIK League Premier Division.

"We now begin the search for a replacement for Aaron while thanking him for his service to Runcorn Linnets and wishing him well at his new club."

RUNCORN Linnets favourite Aaron Morris this evening lifted the Supporters Club Player of the Year for the second time.

Aaron continued defensive domination of the award as the Jimmy Lightfoot Trophy went to a centre back for the third season in a row - a run this year's recipient began himself on joining the Linnets for 2016-17.

Aaron's follow-up success came as little surprise as he had claimed a hat-trick of Bowland Brewery Player of the Month accolades in the club's inaugural EVO-STIK League campaign.

His ability and popularity were further reflected with a host of other trophies as Linnets returned to their roots for the annual first team presentations.

The 2018-19 ceremony took place at the Bridgewater Function Rooms - the original Linnets Club building in Canal Street, where the present club formed at a fans' meeting in 2006.

Aaron also collected awards as Players' Player of the Year (George Worrall Trophy), Home Player of the Year (Ray Shingler Trophy), Away Player of the Year (Bill Philcock Trophy) and Young Linnets Player of the Year (Phil Tyler Trophy).

Further recognition came with the corresponding Dave Bignall PoY award from the independent Twitter account, Linnets Updates.

Centre forward Freddie Potter picked up two club awards - retaining both the Wilf Bettley Trophy for Goal of the Season (with his spectacular overhead effort in the league win at Mossley) and Alan Jones's President's Prize as leading goal scorer.

Winger Paul Shanley, Kris Holt and Danny O'Brien joined Aaron Morris in being honoured after completing a century of Linnets career appearances during the campaign.

The Noel Bell Trophy for club service went to the Runcorn Supporters Club's chairman, Stuart Houghton.

Stuart presented a £1,000 Supporters Club cheque to football club chairman Mike Bignall.

The football club and supporters club made presentations to Tracy Measor who has stepped down as club secretary.

Runcorn Linnets' Player of the Month for April, sponsored by Bowland Brewery, is Ryan Gibson.

Since joining the club towards the end of 2018, local lad Ryan (who signed from Helsby FC), has quickly made himself a mainstay in Michael Ellison's team.

Blessed with an explosive turn of pace, Gibbo is more naturally suited to a wide attacking role but has really stepped up when required by filling a more central position to help Runcorn through their chronic injury crisis.

Ever present throughout the April play-off chase, Ryan's looping header at Newcastle Town set up the opening goal for Antony Hickey, putting us on the way to a tight and crucial win.

Gibbo was instrumental again in the 4-0 victory against Colwyn Bay, playing a telling role in two of Runcorn's goals and running the Seagulls defence ragged all afternoon.

A man-of-the-match performance in the Bank Holiday Monday game against Widnes was not enough to prevent defeat, with Ryan kept out several times by an inspired Richie Mottram in the visitors' goal.

In our final game of the campaign at Glossop, another driving run by Gibbo led to the free kick from which Louis Corrigan opened the scoring - a powerhouse overall performance earning Ryan a second man of the match award during the month.

Always playing on the front foot, Ryan's impact in games is so much more than just goals. His approach of picking up the ball and driving towards the opposition creates openings aplenty for the Linnets, and causes much suffering for opposition defences!

He is a real gem of a find by Ello, who fits the bill of a Runcorn Linnets player perfectly.

We can't wait to see what Gibbo will do with a full season of fixtures ahead of him!

Picture: Ryan Gibson receives hos prize from Tracy Measor - one of Tracy's last duties before stepping down as club secretary. Thanks for all your hard work, Tracy!

Louis Corrigan put the Linnets ahead in the 43rd minute following a fabulous free-kick. In the 63rd minute Glossop North End substituted Francesco Frangillo for Matthew Hanson. In the 76th minute the Linnets substituted Paul Shanley for Zac Aley. In the 77th minute Glossop North End substituted Adam Etches for Brandon Byers-Wilkes. After a great touch from close range in the 87th minute Freddie Potter put us a further goal clear.

Match Report

The Easter Monday matchday collection in aid of Alfie's Squad raised an excellent total of £336.11.

Thank you to everyone, who donated to this very worthy cause at our Bank Holiday EVO-STIK League West derby against Widnes. 

Both Runcorn Linnets and Alfie's Squad were delighted with the generosity shown.

The charity was founded by Widnes Under 10s goalkeeper Alfie Fitzsimmons, after the death  of his father in 2017.

The now 10 year old's aim is to help youngsters like himself, who  have been affected by mental health issues.

Well done Alfie and very best wishes with your ongoing fundraising towards a children's-focused area at Everton Football Club's proposed People's Place mental health facility.

Alfie and his Widnes U10s team mates joined Runcorn Linnets U6s in being mascots for the game and took part in a half time penalty shootout.