Runcorn Linnets are delighted to announce the appointment of Dave Wild as our new boss.

An ambitious young manager, with a strong coaching background, Dave has an impressive track record in terms of club success and player development.

Dave, 34, has managed at our level with Mossley but spent the last two years as assistant at Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division club, Matlock Town.

He helped to steer the Gladiators into the play-off semi-finals after a fourth-placed finish in 2021-22.

Manchester-based Dave, who outside football teaches PE in behavioural education, has now decided that the time is right to revert to being a No.1 and believes that Runcorn Linnets is the ideal destination.

Dave Wild said: "The club has taken really big strides in the last few years. There is a very strong supporter base and an excellent atmosphere and spirit at Runcorn Linnets. I really wanted to be part of it."

Dave has a good range of  managerial experience behind him, initially as assistant boss of Maine Road and Northwich Victoria.

In January 2017, he became first team manager of Stockport Town, leading them - at 28 years old - into the Cheshire Senior Cup final as the lowest-ranked club ever to have achieved that feat.

Dave moved to Mossley in March 2018, initially as joint manager before taking sole charge in summer 2019.

His 89-game stint featured 39 wins with 17 draws, the Lilywhites also making the Manchester FA Premier Cup final.

He departed for Matlock in February 2020 to assist his former Mossley deputy Paul Phillips, and left Causeway Lane earlier this week.

Our new manager is a UEFA-qualified coach and football analyst, holding a B licence and currently working towards grade A.

His credentials also include a BSc in Coaching for Performance in Elite Football.

Dave's coaching career began in 2009 as a BTEC coach/educator at Manchester City.

His first venture in non-league football was as lead opposition scout for Curzon Ashton - Dave playing a significant part in their elevation to the National League North.

Armed with FA Youth Awards 1, 2 and 3, Dave has had three spells in Finland, coaching 10-16 year olds at third-tier Tampereen Pallo-Veikot (TVP). He has also worked in Greece.

Dave has mentored players, who have subsequently forged professional careers in the EFL while two other proteges have played internationally for Somalia and Zimbabwe.

He brings an excellent working knowledge of the NPL scene and, has demonstrated dedication and skill in all aspects of club management.

Through experience and achievements at Steps 3&4, he is fully aware what it takes to be successful and is ready and determined to build on Runcorn Linnets' progress thus far as our seventh manager since formation in 2006.

Dave has spoken already with the Linnets players with no introduction needed to top scorer Ryan Brooke with their connections at Curzon and Mossley.

The incoming boss believes that with the majority of last season's squad keen to stay and some new additions, the team will be well equipped to again compete at the top end of the table.

Dave added: "The club has some excellent players who I am confident of retaining.

"The odd ones will inevitably move on but I have had a lot of positive conversations with existing players and also have good quality players in mind to build on the great work Calum (McIntyre) has done."

Runcorn Linnets received 25 applications for the job but chairman Peter Cartledge said Dave Wild was the unanimous choice from a strong shortlist.

He said: "Dave's professionalism, drive, expertise and knowledge of the Northern Premier League were all key factors in him securing the position.

"He is a born winner and I have no doubt that he will do well for Runcorn Linnets and build on fantastic foundations.

"I wish to thank the four, high-quality shortlisted candidates for the time they have given up to apply and be interviewed.

"All five interviewed extremely well but Dave was the standout candidate."