Runcorn Linnets have pulled off a double loan deal with the signings of Zack Clarke and Sam Turner, both 19-year-old attacking players from National League North club Chester.

Zack (pictured left) is a 6ft 3in striker, Linnets being his fourth loan club in Pitching In Northern Premier League football.

Zack joined Chester in summer 2021 after impressive performances in the Stockport County Academy and signed his second 12- month contract at the Deva Stadium in May.

He last season had stints at Leek Town, Clitheroe and Atherton Collieries.

Zack got his first taste of league action with Chester in January, coming off the bench to play the last half hour against AFC Telford United.

Winger Sam (right) has been with his home city club since he was nine years old and impressed on stepping up to the senior ranks last pre-season.

He had been part of the Under 19s team, which lifted the National League Alliance Cup in March 2021 under the now Chester first team boss Calum McIntyre, scoring in the decisive penalty shootout.

Since penning his first senior deal last August, Sam has also spent valuable time on loan at Lower Breck in the North West Counties League Premier Division and more recently Widnes, our NPL West neighbours.

He this month signed a new contract with Blues for a further 12 months.

More about our new loan signings...

ZACK CLARKE

Here is a timeline of Zack's career so far:

June 2021

The then 18-year-old striker arrived at Chester on leaving Stockport County after a successful spell in their youth setup, culminating in him winning the Academy 2nd Year Players' Player of the Year Award.

He made an immediate impression with a four-goal haul in a friendly against Elton Vale.

Chester's then co-manager Anthony said of Zack:

"His hold up play and general game awareness is fantastic for such a young player, and we believe we have a very good young centre forward on our hands."

August 2021

Zack joined Leek Town on loan on an initial 28-day youth loan.

September 2021

Chester announced that the young striker would be signing with Clitheroe on loan.

October 2021

The Clitheroe deal was extended, Zack having scored on his debut for the Lancastrians with the winning goal at Kendal Town. He would score three goals in seven Clitheroe appearances overall.

December 2021

Zack was recalled from his spell at Clitheroe before stepping up a division, signing a one-month loan with Atherton Collieries in NPL Premier.

January 2022

Zack made a his National League North debut for Chester in a 1-1 draw against Telford United, coming off the bench for the last half hour.

This came 24 hours after Zack had played 90 minutes for Colls.

Steve Watson said: "I put Zack on to give us some legs. I'm pleased for him. He gave us a lot of energy."

February 2022

Zack returned to Colls on loan, the last of his 15 appearances coming at FC United of Manchester in April.

May 2022

The player penned a new one-year-deal at Chester

Seals manager Calum McIntyre said: "He has an exciting profile in terms of physicality and has had some useful opportunities out on loan in senior football this season.

"With the move to daytime training and increased contact time with our players, we hope to be able to develop Zack further given the potential he has shown."

SAM TURNER

Sam's senior career is summarised below:

August 2021

Sam became the latest Chester Academy graduate to sign a senior deal at the Deva Stadium.

The then 18-year-old forward was immediately loaned to North West Counties Premier Division side Lower Breck for the 2021-22 campaign.

He was described by the then Blues joint boss Anthony Johnson as "terrifically gifted young technical player" and by Calum McIntyre, Academy head at the time, as "an outstanding talent."

January 2022

Chester recalled Sam from Lower Breck after a "hugely successful" spell , agreeimg a one-month youth loan move to Widnes.

February 2022

After Sam had followed up his first goal against Clitheroe in late Jsnuary by also scoring in their next game versus Ramsbottom, it was confirmed that Chester had consented to the player spending the remainder of the season with Widnes. He made 16 appearances in all.

July 2022

Sam was rewarded with a new 12-month contract at Chester.