Scott Bakkor links up with old boss to add new dimension in attack

Brad Cooke's first new signing of the summer brings a reunion with a player he previously managed at Atherton Collieries.

But Scott Bakkor has played for numerous non-league clubs at our level and above.

A much-travelled striker, whose football journey has even taken him to the other side of the world, Scott has invariably been anong the goals where ever he has ventured.

Scott arrives at APEC Taxis Stadium after spending the end of the 2024-25 season back on his old stomping ground at Colls as they edged to safety in the division.

He netted five times in 14 appearances, having rejoined Atherton from Warrington Rylands.

Scott made a scoring debut in a 4-2 win at Hanley Town on February 1st, this being Colls' follow-up fixture to their 2-1 away defeat by Linnets.

The newcomer said: "I am really happy to sign for Linnets. From afar, it looks like a top club with good people and great fans - especially after seeing the turnout at the final at the end of last season.

"So I'm definitely excited to meet all of them with a drink after the game.

"Brad and (assistant manager) Rob Sadler are both top fellas and I loved playing for them a few seasons ago.

"I have caught up with them both regularly over the last few years, so it is nice to have that relationship already with them.

"They have put together a very strong squad with a good mix of young and experienced players, who I have played with and against before.

"I really believe everything is in place for a great season ahead. See you soon."

In his first spell with Colls in 2022-23, Scott aided against-the-odds survival under his now Runcorn boss in NPL Premier Division.

The frontman, who will turn 31 in early June, bagged eight goals, four assists and six man-of-the-match awards from 34 matches.

Brad Cooke had long thought highly of Scott for his speed and work rate as much as his goal prowess.

After signing him for Colls, Brad had explained his reasoning for completing the deal.

He said: "I judge a player on the threat they cause when we’ve played against them, and in Scott’s case at both Witton and Stalybridge we have always highlighted him as the biggest threat."

To reinforce Brad's point, the player bagged 19 goals plus 17 assists in 117 Stalybridge outings.

Between his two stints at Colls, Scott served Guiseley and Rylands (twice) while sampling football in Australia's NPL Victoris wih Western Suburbs and St Albans Dinamo.

Featuring with four goals from three ganes in Rylands' NPL West tltle-winning campaign in NPL West (2021-22) - including a non-scoring appearance against Runcorn Linnets - Scott has also served Colwyn Bay (11 goals in 2016-17), Clitheroe (25 goals in 64 appearances across two stints), Marine, Warrington Town, Skelmersdale United (nine goals in 13 games) and briefly Curzon Ashton.

Linnets manager Brad Cooke said: "Scott Bakkor is a well-established goalscorer at step 3.

"I have worked with him before and know exactly what I’m getting. Pace, power, aggression and most importantly goals.

"I am delighted he is a Runcorn player. He will add a different dimension at the top end of the pitch."