Signing of Markell Foulds is big statement in Runcorn's defence

One of Runcorn Linnets' biggest problems last season was the sheer number of goals conceded - 70 in 42 Pitching In Northern Premier League games alone.

So it is no surprise that Brad Cooke has moved to strengthen defensive resources for his first full campaign in charge.

A major part of this is the manager's third pre-season signing Markell Foulds.

A big, strong centre back had been viewed by fans as a transfer priority and 24-year-old Markell certainly fits that bill.

It's hoped that he will help to stem the tide of goals against with Linnets' minus 16 goal difference being the worst outside the bottom three.

Markell arrives after spending most of 2024-25 in the North West Counties League Premier Division as captain of Stockport Town.

Forty two appearances for the Lions, all but one of them starts, brought him four goals and seven man-of-the-match awards.

Towards the end of the campaign, Markell signed for Leek Town, a move which saw him step up two levels to the NPL Premier Division.

The Manchester-born player appeared six times for the Staffordshire outfit, his team-mates including Blackpool loanee striker Taylor Bowen, who had spent time with Runcorn earlier in the season.

Markell is no stranger either to the NPL at Step 4 and arrives at Linnets having already played at the level for Clitheroe and 1874 Northwich.

As a youngster, he had been with Burnley before signing scholarship forms at Salford City. The player also studied at the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB).

It was in 2919-20 that he joined Clitheroe, featuring in the first team 23 times.

The following season saw Markell change position from central defender to right full- back, being rewarded with a contract early on.

But he was to spend time away from Shawbridge - on loan at NWCL side Barnoldswick Town - and the move became permanent in June 2021.

Before having so much as got started, however, Markell was off to 1874 Northwich, who within a month announced that they had acquired the defender's signature on dual registration.

2021-22 saw Markell's name being included on the Northwich teamsheet 26 times, although there was one game he'd no doubt prefer to forget - a 2-1 New Year's Day home defeat to Linnets in which he just happened to be sent off!

It seemed as though Markell was set for a second season with the Greens but, instead, he left for West Didsbury & Chorlton.

2022-23 marked the Mancunians' return to North West Counties League's top flight as Division One South champions but in pre-season, they had lost key man Sam Heathcote to Linnets.

Markell helped to fill the breach, staying at Brookburn Road for just short of two seasons until departing for Stockport Town in March '24.

In the first, he took two club awards - including Committee Player of the Year.

Markell said on arrival at APEC Taxis Stadium:

"It was an easy decision to make, once I’d spoken with Brad and Rob, having played against Lnnets and seen the fans and set up first hand. It was something that really excited me.

"I'm just hoping now we can make it a season to remember."

Manager Brad Cooke (pictured above) said: "Markell is a dominant centre half, he is good on the ball, very athletic and is exactly what you want in a player.

"He’s been very well coached and has very good pedigree. He is the perfect profile of player that we want.

"Markell is keen to learn and progress - and we feel we have the right environment to allow him to do that."