Football author Mark Whitby's new book is for the love of the Linnets

A Runcorn fan has put his passion for the Linnets into words - and turned them into a new book.

Kicking Up the Slope is now available on matchdays from the club shop at APEC Taxis Stadium.

All proceeds from the book will be donated to RLFC.

The book charts 18 months in the life of a Linnets supporter.

It’s also a celebration of the football culture of semi-pro clubs between Manchester and Liverpool.

Mark, also author of the football-themed novel Balls, follows the Linnets home and away.

He also visits other grounds in the North West - from Atherton in the north to Sandbach in the south.

In the east, Trafford is just a short drive from Manchester United’s ground while Lower Breck is on the doorstep of Anfield.

Meanwhile, clubs like FC St Helens and Warrington Town co-exist with giants of Rugby League.

Mark looks at how these football clubs survive and, with odds stacked against

them, often thrive.

Over the year and a half, Mark watches 100 football matches, from Altrincham in the National League to clubs in the North West Counties and Midland Leagues.

He speaks to the hard-working volunteers who pulled together to make it all happen.

In many ways, this is their story.

Kicking Up The Slope is on sale in paperback from the Linnets shop at £8.95.

A Kindle version is available here