Ryan Brooke is staying - and there's nowhere he would rather be

A joyful Ryan Brooke celebrates his record-breaking goal. Picture by Ben Jackson.

Ryan Brooke is relishing the chance to improve on his all-time record goal haul at Runcorn Linnets.

The charismatic striker has agreed terms for next season, which will be a sixth campaign at the club for Ryan.

His signing by former manager Calum McIntyre in summer 2020 proved to be an inspired move, broken only by a shortlived switch to Warrington Rylands.

The now 34-year-old from Holmes Chapel, who made 29 EFL One appearances with Oldham Athletic at the start of his career, has formed a strong bond with the club and its fans.

In 2024-25, he topped the goalscoring charts with 14 goals, despite missing more than two months of the campaign with a broken collar bone.

As a senior player he also took a key role in guiding the club through a difficult spell after the departure of manager Antony Kay, joining club captain and midfielder Karl Clair in taking interim charge of the team.

Ryan proceeded to set a new scoring mark with his double as Linnets came from two goals behind for a 3-2 league victory over Stalybridge Celtic, who we went on to beat in the Cheshire Senior Cup final.

His matchwinner took him past record holder Mark Houghton onto 77 goals, a figure he is now looking to bolster.

Ryan with Jacques Welsh after our Cheshire Senior Cup success. Picture by Peter Cantwell.

Ryan said: "Delighted to be staying, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Time to repay the faith that the gaffers have shown in me.

"I’m proud to be part of this club and excited for what’s ahead. Runcorn Linnets means a lot to me — the support from the fans, the lads, and everyone behind the scenes has been unreal.

"I’m fully committed and ready to give everything for the badge. Let’s go again!

"We’ve got a special group here, and I believe we can achieve something great together.

"The ambition around the club is clear to see, and I want to play my part in driving us forward. Can’t wait to get going again and make more memories in yellow."

Manager Brad Cooke said: "Brookey has been a breath of fresh air since we came in. His goal scoring record speaks for itself and I’m delighted he is committing.

"He is a fantastic footballer, more importantly a brilliant lad!"