Brad Cooke reaffirms Runcorn Linnets have to challenge for promotion
The Runcorn Linnets boss tasted success with the club last season in the Cheshire Senior Cup but he wants his side to be challenging for promotion, this time around.
Brad Cooke says Runcorn Linnets have to be competitive this season. The Linnets boss didn’t mince his words when it came to season objectives, outlining his demand for success.
It has been a hectic summer at the APEC Taxis Stadium with a host of fresh faces and quality through the door.
Despite uncertainty surrounding Cooke’s future prior to their Cheshire Cup win over Stalybridge Celtic, he has moved decisively to assemble a squad - he believes - is capable of guiding the club up the table.
Following a difficult start to the season, which saw the end of Antony Kay’s short-term spell, the former Atherton Collieries boss was installed to guide the club forward.
This summer, Adam Rooney, Scott Bakkor and Markell Foulds have joined the club, as well as a host of first-team regulars from last season extending their respective stays.
Linnets won the race to sign Sean Miller after Widnes FC withdrew their first-team from FA competitions. Cooke moved decisively to land both Miller and his fellow promotion-winning teammate Matty Rain.
In signing Miller, who won the Northern Premier League West player of the season award, they beat a host of clubs and even some who were offering record wages for their structure.
Cooke has signalled his intention early and has laid a gauntlet for his lads to achieve success - with the added promotion-winning experience of the likes of Miller and Rain.