Second term at Linnets a "no brainer" for Welsh wonder Naim

Having promptly made himself a firm favourite at APEC Taxis Stadium, Welshman Naim Arsan is savouring the prospect of strengthening the bond with Runcorn Linnets and our supporters.

Naim was recruited in October as the club's second import of the season from Cymru Premier club Bala Town and he's now joined the first, Luke Wall in confirming that he is staying for 2025-26.

The former Wales C international said the decision was a "no brainer".

Naim was essentially signed as a left back but it's in a more advanced position on the same flank that he has mostly featured and prospered.

His boundless energy and work ethic have been highly impressive and he has bamboozled many defences with his determination, trickery and crossing ability.

Naim has scored eight times in 37 outings with the Yellow & Greens so far.

It took him more than twice as many appearances over two years to notch up his six goals for Bala.

Since joining Linnets, the 31-year-old has only enhanced a reputation forged in his homeland for being a more than handy set-piece scorer.

Naim has also brought to bear the experience he gained from three European campaigns during his playing career in Wales, two of them with Bala (where he also won the Welsh League Cup in 2022-23) and the other with Cefn Druids.

Manager Brad Cook said: "This is one that me and Sadz (assistant Rob Sadler) are very pleased with and I’m sure the fans will be too.

"Everybody knows Nai's ability; he’s a player that gets you excited. He is a real match winner and is another top lad. We are delighted to have agreed for the upcoming season."

Naim Arsan said: "I’m delighted to be here for another year, it’s a great club with unbelievable fans.

"I have never felt so welcomed at a club like I have here so it was a no brainer for me to continue.

"I really enjoyed last season and to finish it off with a trophy was great. "I'm hoping for another successful season."