STEVE Carragher, last season's Runcorn FC Halton player-boss, will manage Runcorn Linnets FC next season if they are up and running.

But their efforts to join the North West Counties League club are still in doubt. The club has agreed in principle a deal to play at Witton Albion.

But press officer Steve Pritchard said: 'The main stumbling block to joining the league is the status of the old club isn't precisely known.

'It is understood Runcorn FC Halton have failed to apply to play in any league next season and have confirmed they won't be taking their place in the UniBond First Division to which they were relegated.

'Until it's clear the old club is not going to continue to play, and (going to) cease its membership of the FA, it's not possible for the new Runcorn Linnets FC to take the position within the league that a reformed club can hope to be entitled to.

'Despite this, Runcorn Linnets FC will continue to push for acceptance into the league regardless of the status of the old club.

'We see ourselves as a de facto reformation of the old Runcorn FC Halton club, irrespective of the apparent confusion over the actual status of the old club. We need to convince the FA and league that this is the case.'

The NWC League AGM is on June 27.

Runcorn Linnets have confirmed an agreement to groundshare at Witton - subject to official ratification by the Wincham club's board early this month.

Stuart White, Runcorn Linnets chairman, said: 'This offer has been made in the spirit of co-operation and support to a fledgling club and its fans.

'Witton and Runcorn fans have enjoyed a friendly rivalry and both sides have been through hard times.'

Pritchard added: 'We have to thank Witton for providing the use of their excellent facilities to help us in our formative period.

'We are very happy Steve Carragher has accepted our offer to become the manager.

'All the fans were impressed with what he did for us last season and we see his appointment as representing yet another step towards our goal.'

Carragher said: 'I'm very pleased to get involved with this club that shares my ambition to put Runcorn back in the Northern Premier (UniBond) League as soon as possible.'

Strikers Ged Bushell and Ian Cocks each picked up three trophies at Run-corn Town's presentation day - full report and pictures next week.