Midfielder Lewis Doyle prepares to give his all in fifth Linnets season

Lewis Doyle seems to have been on the scene for so long that it's easy to forget that he is still only 24 and has his best playing days ahead of him.

He will remain a key component in the Runcorn Linnets set-up after agreeing terms for what will be his fifth season at the club.

Since arriving from Atherton Collieries in Novenber 2021, the all-action midfielder has been involved in two Play-off finals, scoring in the second at Workington, and a semi-final.

He finally claimed his first winners' medal with Linnets earlier this month as a driving force of the 3-0 Cheshire Senior Cup final victory over Stalybridge Celtic.

Serving four managers since joining Linnets, Lewis has most recently been reunited with Brad Cooke, the boss who signed him as a 19-year-old for Colls from Accrington Stanley in July 2020.

An earlier loan for 'Doyley' from Southport had seen the pair team up in the Atherton engine room with Brad being immediately impressed by the then 17-year-old's star quality and potential.

Lewis had previously spent seven years in Preston North End's Academy and also served Curzon Ashton.

He is the beating heart of the Runcorn team, who at his best can be devastating.

Lewis was initially brought in as a defensive midfield player under Calum McIntyre but has since developed a more expansive style.

Often getting forward in support off the front men, he also has an eye for a spectacular goal.

Lewis made 39 appearances in 2024-25, scoring six goals, to take his Linnets career aggregate to 156 outings with 24 goals.

He said: "I'm still enjoying my football at Runcorn as much as ever. The fans have always been great with me and I'd just like to thank them for all their support over these past four years.

"It was a blow for us not to have at least challenged for promotion again but after a cup-winning end to the season, we have a chance to kick on again now and give it our all in 2025-26."

Manager Brad Cooke said: "In the last couple of months of the season, Doyley showed everyone why he is one of the best midfielders in the league.

"I’ve worked with him before, I know his character and I know how good he is. I’m delighted he is staying.

"He has a bit of everything. He scores goals, creates chances and has that bite you need as a midfielder. I can’t wait to see him fit and firing."