Another NPL West title winner in the ranks

Runcorn Linnets boss Michael Ellison has added more Northern Premier League title-winning expertise to his squad with the acquisition of veteran Steven Irwin.

Steven skippered Widnes to the West Division championship last season.

A transfer from from league rivals Vauxhall Motors brings a reunion with the manager he served at DCBL Stadium, along with the successful backroom team and three former team-mates from Widnes.

The 35-year-old defensive midfielder brings a wealth of playing experience from at home and abroad.

He launched his career at Liverpool FC, in a five-year stay progressing through the youth ranks to lead the reserve team.

On his release from Anfield, Steven played in the Netherlands with Telstar Velsen, Finland at FF Jaro and Denmark with Aalburg.

The return to home soil brought a move in February 2017 to Skelmersdale United.

His form alerted FC United of Manchester, where he spent 2017-18 season -  making 34 appearances with six goals.

After a brief spell with Stalybridge, Steven had two spells with Marine, making 61 appearances initially and seven more after coming out of a two-year retirement in January 2022.

He played for Warrington Rylands from March 2022  before joining Widnes in late October of that year.

Lifting the League champions trophy was the culmination of 97 appearances for the Black and Whites over two and a half years, the Manager's Player of the Year award capping off a glorious 2024-25 campaign.

On Michael Ellison's resignation, Steve was appointed interim manager at Widnes but he was overtaken by events.

The demise of the title-winning club prompted a summer move to Vauxhall.