MATCHDAY
PROGRAMME
AVRO v Runcorn Linnets
WEDNESDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER, KICK OFF 7.45PM
Pitching In NPL Division One West
HISTORY
CONTACT US/ GENERAL INFORMATION
CLUB PERSONNEL (under development)
MEDIA (under development)
INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everyone!
Whether you’re a returning fan or a first-time visitor, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to The Vestacare Stadium. We’re thrilled to have you here for what promises to be an exciting match against Runcorn Linnets.
Your support means a lot to us, and we’re grateful you’ve chosen to spend your evening with us. As you settle in for the game, I encourage you to take full advantage of our excellent Food and Beverage facilities. We pride ourselves on offering a range of delicious options to enhance your matchday experience.
Tonight’s game is sure to be an interesting one, and we can’t wait to see the action unfold on the pitch. Your energy and enthusiasm in the stands play a crucial role in motivating our team, so don’t hold back!
Once again, thank you for attending. Whether you’re a loyal supporter or new to our club, we hope you have a fantastic time at The Vestacare Stadium.
Enjoy the match
Charlie O’Brien, Avro FC CEO
Runcorn Linnets History
Wednesday’s opponents were founded back in 1918 when they joined the Cheshire league. During the 1930s and 40s Runcorn established themselves with iconic players such as Jack Search.
They were recognised for their bravery in the war and are a large part of the clubs’ history. Today the roadway outside The Millbank Linnets Stadium is named Jack Search Way, in tribute to Jack’s service to Runcorn AFC and his association with the town and war-time heroism. Jack’s exploits over 15 years either side of World War Two as Runcorn’s prolific centre forward – winning Cheshire County League and FA Senior Cup honours as well as being involved in an FA Cup third round of 1939 against holders Preston NE.
The 1980s were considered by many to be the ‘golden era’ of the club. They won the treble in 1980/81, lifting the NPL Championship, NPL Cup and the NPL Shield, achieving promotion to the top flight of non-league football. After promotion, Runcorn continued their form and shocked the non-league world by winning the APL Championship at the first attempt by a seven-point margin, losing just five games. Runcorn reached the FA Trophy final in 1986 and played the final at the old Wembley stadium. Linnets reached two more FA Trophy finals at Wembley, going down to Wycombe Wanderers (4-1) in 1993 and Woking (2-1) in 1994.
Due to a series of weather induced accidents, Runcorn’s stadium had to be rebuilt during this period which put financial constraints on the club. They were relegated for the first time in their history in 1995/96 after fifteen years of top-flight non-league football.
The club played 4 years at the Witton Albion stadium during the 2000s. In 2006/07 they joined North West Counties League Division Two and immediately promoted that year to division one. They were North West Counties League runners-up for five years out of six years before gaining promotion to The Northern Premier League in 2018/19. Finishing in second place last season Runcorn have proved themselves to be a top side.
For more information on Runcorn Linnet’s more recent history please click here.
Credit to https://www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk/historical-archive
