Lewis Buckley arrives as Scott Bakkor departs

Lewis Buckley will finally get to play first team football for Runcorn Linnets in 2026-27 after moving to his hometown club from Lower Breck.

The 34-year-old centre forward signs after being profilic in English and Welsh non-league football throughout his career.

But in his formative years, he played reserve team football for his new club.

Lewis has since played for Runcorn Town, Prescot Cables, Vauxhall Motors and Widnes but has most recently been at Lower Breck.

He scored 20 goals, including one penalty, in 43 appearances for the Anfield club last season, their first at Step 4, with six assists and four star-man displays.

In total, Lewis netted 50 times in 119 games for Breck who like Linnets were beaten in the 25-26 play-off semi-finals.

Lewis has also played in Wales for Airbus UK Broughton, Newi Cefn Druids and Llandudno.

Buckley's arrival at APEC Taxis Stadium on Saturday was quickly followed by the departure of Scott Bakkor who topped Linnets' scoring charts after joining last summer.

Scott netted 23 goals in 45 Runcorn outings with five spot-kicks and our only hat-trick of tbe campaign - in the 3-0 FA Cup preliminary round victory at Whitchurch Alport.

Stafford Rangers have announced his signing this evening.

Lewis Crane, Noah Roberts, Isaac Graham and James Steele have also left the club after being released.

Skipper Jacques Welsh, vice-captain Peter Wylie, Dec McLoughlin, Brendan O'Brien, Ste Irwin, Harry McGee, Matty Rain and Sean Miller are confirmed as staying with others in negotiation with the club.