Seasoned defender Adam Rooney is excited by his move to Runcorn Linnets and struck by the passion of our fans

For our fourth capture of the summer, Runcorn Linnets have landed a defender who is well established and highly regarded in Northern Premier League circles.

Centre back Adam Rooney, 27, has featured in the West Division Play-offs in the last two seasons and also brings valuable experience at Step 3.

Adam's time in NPL Premier in 2022-23 was key to his APEC Taxis Stadium arrival.

He spent it at Atherton Collieries, playing for Linnets manager Brad Cooke and assistant Rob Sadler and making 35 appearances.

This was in the same team as our incoming striker Scott Bakkor.

Adam, who has been described as a no-nonsense central defender, has since served City of Liverpool and Vauxhall Motors, achieving top-five finishes with both.

CoL were beaten Play-off finalists in 2023-24, losing at Prescot Cables after knocking out Linnets at APEC Taxis Stadium.

Adam scored in last season's semi-final at Hednesford Town with his strike in first-half injury time putting Vauxhall back in contention before the Pitmen clinched their 3-1 victory in the 88th minute.

As well as his defensive capabilities, Adam brings a goal threat at set pieces and qn ability to chip in with useful goals.

He netted three in 21 outings for Vauxhall Motors and four in 43 appearances for the Purps.

Wirral-born Adam first made his mark with Skelmersdale United, before enjoying a successful three-year spell at Cammell Laird.

Our latest new signing made 24 appearances for Droylsden in 2019-20 and 47 (with three goals) with Trafford, his development and form prompting Brad Cooke to first target the player for Colls.

Adam Rooney said: "I’m buzzing to be a Runcorn Linnets player and can’t wait to get started. Playing against Linnets over the years, I know how big the club is on and off the pitch.

"The club have an unreal fan base, who support the team in their numbers home and away through thick and thin.

"I have always seen their passion for the club I was there to see it at last month's Cheshire Cup final so I’m looking forward to playing for them.

"I’m also looking forward to playing for Brad and Sads again as they know me really well from our time together at Atherton Collieries.

"I had kept in touch with Brad regularly about football over recent years so when the 'phone call came to join him in this long-term project at Runcorn Linnets, it was a very easy decision for me.

"I’m looking forward to meeting the lads and putting in the work ready for the season ahead in which I hope we can challenge together."

Manager Brad Cooke said: "I'm made up Adam Rooney has agreed to join. I’ve worked with him before so I know exactly what we are getting.

"He’s fantastic in both boxes and has unbelievable standards. He has finished in the play-offs the last two seasons and knows what it takes to be challenging at the top end come the season end."