Teenager Che Trapasso has joined Runcorn Linnets - treading a path already taken by Billy Paynter, his new manager at APEC Taxis Stadium.

A midfielder/wide player Che joins the Yellow & Greens from EFL League One club, Port Vale.

Prior to joining Linnets last summer, initially as first team coach, Billy was Professional Development Phase Lead Coach at the Potteries club.

It was also at Port Vale that the boss began his career, after being scouted in his native Liverpool as a ten year old, going on to make 144 EFL appearances for them with 30 goals.

Last season Che played a key part, alongside his brother Alessandro, in Port Vale Under 18s' trailblazing run in the FA Youth Cup, the siblings having graduated from junior football on Merseyside. By the time Che arrived at Vale, Billy had departed.

The Burslem club reached the FA Youth fourth round for the first time in 10 years in 2022-23, eventually losing 1-0 to Liverpool in front of an 1,800 home crowd at Vale Park.

After overcoming Chesterfield 3-1 in the first round at Kidsgrove's Autonet Insurance Stadium, the young Valiants knocked out Salford City in round two with Che's first-half goal decisive in a 1-0 victory at the same Northern Premier League venue.

Che netted his second of the competition when the third round brought Hull City to Vale Park, the hosts triumphing 3-0.

We hope you enjoy your time with us, Che!