Promising first season will stand Harvey Washington in good stead for the campaign ahead

Manager Brad Cooke congratulates Harvey Washington on a standout performance having been impressed with the young defender's progress.

Defender Harvey Washington will embark on a second season at Runcorn Linnets after a first of potential and promise.

As an Academy graduate from an EFL club, the transition into senior football was always going to be tough but Harvey stood up admirably to the test.

He was unfortunate to be thrown straight into the first XI when Runcorn were reeling from the loss of two seasoned centre backs.

One of them, then manager Antony Kay had hung up his boots around same time that vice-captain Sean O'Mahony flew off to a new life in Australia.

In normal circumstances, the 19-year-old Harvey could have expected a bedding-in period.

But instead, he was thrust directly into the heart of a new-look Linnets defence in the uncompromising surroundings of Step 4 football.

He'd already had loan stints in NPL West with Kidsgrove Athletic and at Congleton Town, who were en route to promotion as Midland League Premier Division champions.

But a first full season in the firing line is a different thing all together.

It was a case of having to grow up quickly as a regular starter - only four Linnets players made more first-team appearances in 2024-25 than Harvey's 47.

It is to his every credit that he came through unscathed with invaluable experience in the bank.

As would be expected of a player schooled at the renowned Crewe Alexandra youth system - he'd come through the agegroups from Under 16s to U21s - Harvey is a footballing centre back.

He also scores highly for bravery and will come back all the stronger for the lessons learned over the last nine months.

Linnets fans can look forward to seeing the talented youngster, who has all the attributes to have a good career in the game, further progress and prosper.

On agreeing a deal for another campaign, Harvey Washington said: "I'm happy to be playing for Runcorn, looking forward to getting going again and seeing what the new season brings.

"Hopefully, we can make it a special year and get some more silverware."

Manager Brad Cooke said: "I thought Harvey really grew into his position as CB come the end of the season.

"He had some standout performances. He is young and is still learning but he has all the attributes to do really well in the game.

"We are hoping this season will be a big one for Harv."