Marcus Cusani returns for second helpings with Linnets

Marcus Cusani has rejoined Runcorn Linnets - nine years after first putting on a yellow green shirt.

The now 30-year-old forward has signed from Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division club, Lancaster City, having made 22 appearances for the Dolly Blues last season.

Marcus previously played for Brad Cooke at Atherton Collieries, our now boss signing the player for his second spell at Colls in June 2020.

Brad is delighted to be reacquainted with the vesatile frontman.

The boss said: "I had Marcus throughout my time with Atherton Collieries.

He was always a standout player. He’s big, athletic and is a real handful.

"His biggest strength is his flexibility across the front line. He will be a great addition to an already exciting squad.

"I am sure the fans will enjoy watching him in a yellow and green shirt."

The player first arrived at Linnets in the summer of 2016, making his debut under Michael Elllison in the opening game of the 2016-17 season - a 2-2 home draw with West Didsbury & Chorlton.

This game also marked first Linnets appearances for Paul Shanley and Andy Thorpe.

Marcus made only four outings, including two starts, in this initial Runcorn stint before returning to then NWCL Premier Division rivals Ashton Athletic, where his career took off.

In October of the same year, the player returned to haunt us - hitting Athletic's stunning late winner in a 3-2 victory at Linnets Stadium in a League Challenge Cup second-round tie.

He transferred to Atherton Colls, then in NPL Division One North, in March 2018 - featuring in the same team as Brad Cooke and scoring first time out against Bamber Bridge.

Marcus also starred in the club's successful Integro Cup campaign.

An adaptable winger with strength and good technical ability, who can also play centrally, Marcus went on to gain experience in the NPL Premier Division.

He scored twice in 10 matches for Warrington Town in their run-in to winning the 2019 Play-off final at South Shields.

Town missed out on promotion when losing the Super Play-off final to Southern League Play-off winners King's Lynn Town.

Marcus spent 2019-20 season back at Ashton Athletic, finishing third in the NWCL's league's ‘Man of the Match’ table while netting 12 times before moving back to Colls.

His second spell at Atherton ran for three seasons.

In his last, Marcus won Goal of the Season for a 40-yard volley against Stalybridge Celtic in April 2023.

He signed for Lancaster after a season with Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ashton United, where he made 37 appearances with four goals.