RUNCORN'S new non-league football club have seen hours of burning the midnight oil behind the scenes rewarded with a place in the North West Counties League.

Just eight weeks after it was agreed at a public meeting of supporters to withdraw backing for Runcorn FC Halton and set up a fans-run outfit, the spin-off Runcorn Linnets FC's application was accepted on Saturday.

In between, an immense amount of work has been put in to ensure the club had a viable business plan and would be in a position to proceed if the chance came along.

Club chairman Stuart White and board member Derek Greenwood attended the Buxton meeting knowing, as they had all along, there was no guarantee their efforts would succeed.

After getting the go-ahead at the league's annual meeting in Derbyshire, the club initially believed it would still have to wait for formal ratification from the Football Association.

But it transpired the game's governing body had given its advanced blessing to any membership decisions made by the league.

The club now joins Division Two - the second tier - of what is officially the Moore & Co Construction Solicitors League along with Ashton Athletic and Bootle.

Runcorn Linnets had met the league's chairman, secretary and some of its other officials just less than a fortnight before the AGM with the NWC officers then reporting back to the league committee.

Greenwood, who gave a presentation at the AGM in Buxton, said afterwards: 'Once they put us forward, we were 90% sure we would get in but you never know until it happens.

'We are absolutely delighted. It has taken a lot of hard work but it has all been worthwhile.

'We now just have to hope we can get some further support on the back of this.'

The club has reached a two-year agree-ment with Witton Albion to share their ground at Wincham, near Northwich.

But this doesn't rule out an earlier 'return' to Runcorn for this new club which, by its very nature, has a strong association with the town's footballing heritage.

Runcorn Linnets have also had to put down a bond with the league as a guarantee it is able to fulfil its obligations but had no problems with this due to a welter of donations already received.

The club is committed to living within its means but is confident with Steve Carragher - last season's Runcorn FC Halton manager - in charge it will be able to field a team which is competitive at this level.

Press officer Steve Pritchard said; 'This is great news. Everything is coming together for next season.

'We have a place in a league, a ground to play at, a manager, and increasing interest in our club.

'We hope we can maintain and increase this interest, and turn it into support on the terraces when the season comes.'

He added: 'Steve Carragher is working hard to bring players to the club.

'We have open trials taking place on June 29 at Haddocks Wood (6.30pm) which will hopefully provide some local talent to join the squad.'

Off the pitch, the next focus is to be securing the funding needed for next season.

Pritchard said: 'People have been very generous so far, and there are still opportunities for individuals to make donations, or join the I-Syndicates Lottery.

'Anybody who contributes prior to the start of the season will feature on the Roll of Honour which commemorates those people who have helped the club during its formative period.'

The club is seeking support from local businesses through programme, match and match ball sponsorship.

It is also looking to provide advertising opportunities for companies in its matchday programme, at the Wincham Park ground and also on the club web-site.

Pritchard added: 'There are other ways businesses can get involved and support the club, including a corporate season ticket which provides entry for four, and includes use of the sponsors lounge, and refreshments.

'Once the season is under way, attention will turn to establishing a focus group to bring the club back to Runcorn as quickly as possible.'

Runcorn Linnets representatives are delighted with the assistance, co-operation and welcome they have received from Witton Albion.

Witton chairman Mike Worthington said: 'I believe there should be a Runcorn football team playing at the highest level achievable, and I hope the support we are able to provide at this time will be the foundation for their future success.

'I hope the people in Runcorn give the necessary support and we look forward to sharing our excellent facilities at Wincham Park with them.'

For more information, visit http:// www.RuncornLinnetsFC.co.uk