Striker Josh Quarless has been snapped up by Runcorn Linnets manager Dave Wild after two appearances as a trialist.

Josh, a towering 6ft 7in tall, joins our 2022-23 squad, having scored 21 goals last season.

He started the campaign at Burscough, chalking up 13 goals and five man-of-the-match performances for the North West Counties League Premier Division outfit.

In Novenber of last year, Josh made the move to City of Liverpool whose interest had been sparked by impressive performances against them in friendlies.

Josh had chipped in with a goal and an assist for Burscough in a behind-closed-doors fixture versus the Purps in December 2020.

He followed up with another eye-catching display when the clubs met again ahead of the 2021-22 close season.

Likewise, as Josh arrived on our doorstep for Saturday's third warm-up game against Chester FC, Linnets fans were quick to recall his destructive performance against us for CoL in last season's away defeat at Ellesmere Port.

He netted eight times in 26 appearances for our Northern Premier League West Division rivals, including two on debut against Leek Town.

Josh is also no stranger to fans of Sunday football in Liverpool, on account of his scoring exploits for FC Dovecot and Sefton Athletic.

He offers so much more than scoring with his ability to bring others into play.

The player, from the Walton area of Liverpool, was a relatively late convert to the striking position.

He had played in junior football initially as a left back but mostly as a central midfielder.

Josh comes from a sporting family.

Dad, Noel was a prominent professional boxer, who once shared the ring with Lennox Lewis, but encouraged Josh's involvement in football rather than the fight game.

In his youth, Josh had trials at Everton, Blackpool. St Mirren and Motherwell without being taken on.

He drifted out of football, disillusioned at lack of opportunities to progress, before his passion for playing was reignited in amateur football.

He had always felt his stature and skills were more suited to an attacking role and this is where his reputation has been made.

Josh opened his Runcorn Linnets account with our final goal in Tuesday's 4-1 friendly win at Stockport Georgians and hopefully there are many more to follow.