Joe Lynch has re-signed for Runcorn Linnets in a move which will excite fans, given the impact he made in his previous spell with the club.

The midfielder was brought to the club by Calum McIntyre and became an influential figure in our 2021-22 play-off final squad.

So important, however, that Calum took him with him when he was appointed Chester manager last summer.

'Lynchy' appeared 23 times for the National League North outfit, scoring twice.

He is a tenacious and strong-running midfielder, who prior to joining Runcorn in summer 2021 played for Lower Breck in the North West Counties League.

Last time around, he was our first-choice penalty taker with six of his seven goals in 45 Linnets appearances coming from the spot.

Earlier in his career, a spell at Morecambe from July 2019 saw Joe quickly progress to first-team duty in the EFL Trophy.

Joe had previously been on contract at Crewe Alexandra, coming through their Academy and playing against Linnets in the Cheshire Senior Cup.

Joe is the second player to return to Linnets in a matter of days with Bayleigh Passant already back on board.

While away from us, Bayleigh had kept goal for Marine and was their hero in the penalty shootout win against Linnets in the Liverpool Senior Cup semi-final.

He was also successful in the NPL Play-off Final of 2022 when we were also Marine's opponents.

Both players were very popular in their first spells with the club and are assured of a very warm welcome on their comebacks to the club.