Southern to star for Linnets

Runcorn Linnets are delighted to have agreed terns with 24-year-old Ollie Southern from Trafford FC.

Ollie had joined the then Northern Premier League West side in November last year and won the Management Team Player of the Year award for 2025-26.

Essentially a right back, he can also operate in central defence and as a defensive midfielder.

He was schooled at Manchester United (age eight to 12), Preston North End, and Rochdale before earning a scholarship at Crewe Alexandra.

Ollie's breakthrough into senior football came with Curzon Ashton in 2020.

While at Curzon, Ollie briefly served North West Counties League club Squires Gate on loan.

In February 2021, Ollie went to Norwich City for a trial which saw him play in their Under 23s side.

At the start of 2021-22, he moved into the Welsh Premier League with Bala Town FC.

Two successful seasons brought Ollie more than 40 appearances.

He helped them to a first-time Welsh League Cup success alongside Naim Arsan and Antony Kay, who were both soon Linnets bound.

As a result, he featured in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

But a return to England beckoned as Hereford offered Ollie a chance in National League North.

He played 25 games in 2023-24 and on his departure, Warrington Town came calling with an offer of extending his career at Step 2

The player joined his hometown club for their 2024-25 National League North campaign and wore their colours 32 times.

Ahead of last season, Ollie crossed town to join Warrington Rylands before moving to their then NPL Premier rivals Prescot Cables in September 2025 and Trafford FC two months later.