RUNCORN FC Halton have announced the signing of former Ireland U21 midfielder Kieran Durkan.
Durkan played for Third Division Swansea City last season but left by 'mutual consent' in February.
The 30-year-old grew up in Runcorn and started his career as a schoolboy at Wrexham, where he won five caps for the Republic of Ireland's U21 national side.
He moved to Stockport and Macclesfield - where he helped both clubs to promotion - before rejoining former Wrexham boss Brian Flynn in Swansea early last year.
Since leaving South Wales he has been tracked by National Conference side Halifax Town but decided to turn his back on the professional game, taking a job outside football before deciding to sign for his hometown club.
Linnets boss Chris Lightfoot said he was delighted to sign the experienced right-sided midfielder.
He said: 'Kieran is a great signing for Runcorn. He has moved to us direct from League football and chose us over teams in higher leagues.
'He is mainly a right winger but can play in a variety of positions, which will be a valuable asset over the season. Kieran is a Runcorn lad originally and so knows all about the club and he cannot wait to start playing for us in August.' Linnets will be kicking off the inaugural Conference North season in August with the cheapest gate prices in the league.
For the fourth successive season there will be a freeze on admission prices for league games at the Halton Stadium.
Despite most clubs in Conference North raising admission prices for the new league, the board at Runcorn feel that the loyal supporters who got behind the club in the UniBond Premier League last season should be rewarded.
Adults will pay £7.00, with concessions paying just £3.50. Concessions next season will include the over-60s and those in full-time education.
For the U14s, the club will be continue its Kids Go Free scheme next season - the only club in Conference North to offer such an initiative. Every child under the age of 14 will be admitted free to league matches if accompanied by a paying adult - regardless of which club they support.
The club will also be allowing students entry for £3.50 next season upon production of their NUS Cards at the turnstiles.
Season tickets prices have also been announced, with these again being among the cheapest in the league.
Adult season tickets will cost just £125.00 with concessions paying just £62.50. This sees a saving of £22.00 and £11.00 respectively on the cost of getting into all 21 home league games - effectively giving supporters three games free.
However, if supporters get their season tickets before the end of June, then they will be eligible to a discount of 10%, which brings the cost of tickets to £112.50 and £56.25.
Application forms for season tickets can be picked up at the Information Centre in Church Street, Runcorn, or the Halton Stadium reception area in Widnes. Alternatively, you can download an application form from the Linnets website at www.runcornfchalton.co.uk
