16-year-old Linnets take pathway to Under 21s

The policy of promoting from within is alive and kicking at Runcorn Linnets.

Two of the club's upcoming Under 18s have signed up for our Under 21s.

This follows the pattern of Development team players stepping up to the first team.

The two players joining the U21s ranks, Charlie Ratcliffe and Daniel McCaffrey, are both centre backs and just 16 years old.

Runcorn Linnets Under 21s manager Ste Ellams said: "Due to the progression of our U21’s players in to the first team set up in early 2025,, we needed to bring in lads for training.

"I reached out to Ade Miller, who was managing our U16s and asked for players he felt not only deserved the opportunity to train with us but to highlight them for recognition in terms of attitude and application in their sessions.

"Both Charlie and Dan were mentioned in the first conversation and I had seen both play a handful of times during the previous 18 months.

"They came in to show their quality right from the start, can both play, really good in position.

"Charlie is so relaxed in possession and Dan is really strong in the air. The lads have presented really good attitudes throughout until the present day - they’ve become big parts of the training sessions.

"I’m hoping the next 12 months gives them the platform to showcase their talents and no doubt get valuable game time with the 21s. I fully trust them and believe both are ready.”

Runcorn Linnets Under 18s manager, Ade Miller said: "It’s great to see Charlie and Daniel being rewarded for their years of hard work and dedication and I know they’re ready for the challenge of stepping up to the 21s.

"It’s certainly a proud moment for me as their coach and I’m looking forward to seeing them further develop under the guidance of Ste and his coaching team."

Fact file

Get to know the new graduates to Runcorn Linnets Under 21s

Charlie Ratcliffe

History

- Started at Akidamey

- Signed by Port Vale

- Returned to to Linnets at U15

Honours

- Warrington Premier League Champion x2

- Warrington President's Cup

- U16 Cheshire County Cup

- Parents' Player of the Year last season

Daniel McCaffrey

History

- Started at akidamey

- Represented Linnets every season

- Played a year up until U11s

Honours

- Warrington Prem League Championship x3

- Cheshire County Cup x2

- Runcorn & District Cup winner x2

- Warrington President's Cup

- Manager's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year

- Vice-captain U18s