Let me begin by wishing you all a very Happy New Year, I hope you all enjoyed yourselves, I know I enjoyed New Year's Day!

Men's Team

On New Year's Day the lads recovered from going a goal down in the very first minute against 1874 Northwich, with a goal from Lloyd Marsh-Hughes to take us in level at half time and a late beauty from the brilliant Iwan Murray after 1874 went down to 10 men. It was a hard fought but deserved win, which took us in to the play off positions and was a great way to follow up wins over Widnes and Prescot Cables. Nine points out of nine is a tremendous return under any circumstances but given how short of players we have been and the lack of training, Calum and the lads have been amazing.

We followed up our New Year's Day win with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Winsford in the Cheshire Senior Cup. I think you can see from the team that Calum named that he is serious about the Cheshire Senior Cup, and it is a cup I would love to see us win.

Linnets Ladies

After a long break, the Ladies are finally back in action when they take on Alder FC Women at the APEC Taxis Stadium on Sunday 9th January at 2pm. It's free entry for all and it would be good to see as many of you there as possible.

Joe Young

As you've already probably seen by now Joe Young has returned to Wolves. I think Joe has been exceptional for us in recent months and I hope that we have helped in his development. Wolves have recalled him as his initial loan expired and despite our best efforts to keep him, they have other plans for him. I would like to thank Wolves for allowing Joe to join the Linnets and trusting us to look after him.

Good luck for the future Joe.

Fan Behaviour

Let me start by saying I am absolutely delighted at not only the increase in attendances but the improvement in the atmosphere both home and away. It is something we've wanted to improve for a long time, and I know Calum and the lads absolutely love the support.

That being said, I have to say I am concerned at the recent use at pyrotechnics. People may think they are harmless and help generate an atmosphere but if things go wrong, they can cause serious injury. It is quite simply illegal to take them into a football stadium and there can be serious repercussions for those who do so and for the club they support.

Anyone found with a smoke bomb, flare or any other prohibited items in the APEC Taxis Stadium will be removed from the ground and banned indefinitely.

I do not want to ban anybody from watching the Linnets, however it is my job to protect the image of this football club and that is exactly what I will do. We want the fans to create an atmosphere to cheer the lads on, but it must be done safely and be respectful of fellow fans.

Thank you for reading.

Dave Jones

Runcorn Linnets FC - Chairman