Away Day at Runcorn Linnets

SO IT GOES – AWAY DAY REPORT – Runcorn Linnets 14th September 2024

By Muggsy

So for a very rare occasion, I wasn’t driving to an away game! Burkey was taking his Rangey to Murder-Shaw, so I, Leeky and Blackbeard would be in it! This could be dangerous, as I always try to be professional these days, what with being a club official and having post-match interviews to do. However, I did miss the wild trip to Bridlington last week – could I make up for the disappointment……

So I go to open the door of Burkey’s posh Rangey, and Leeky Knights is wearing the same top as me – the blue away kit! We can’t have two of us dressed the same, looking like a pair of twonks, so I rushed back in and grabbed last season’s white home top, and off we went to pick up Blackbeard….. who got in the Rangey wearing last season’s white away top, the twonk!

So Runcorn Linnets ground does not have a postcode, so the trick is to put the nearby Aldi into the NatSav on your Rangey or whatever posh car you are driving, and you’ll find the ground next door along with a HUGE carpark full of rolled up astroturf! We checked ourselves in, and bought the first of several Poretti’s that would be eaten during the game.

So I’ve already written the match report – see traffordfc.com for that! Off the field there was only about a dozen Trafford fans gathered at the Flag. However, when one of the dozen is Leechy with his big booming voice, you can guarantee we’ll make a bit of noise – especially when Isaac Noble Baby hit the opening goal in the 37th minute. It’s always brilliant when the players come over and celebrate with us!

So I joined the queue for a burger at half time, and was only just arriving back with the rest of our supporters just as Sam Booth got sent off! The rest of the game was backs to the wall stuff, with “Matty, Matty Morgan, Matty Morgan in the goals!” (England’s Number One!) and when Kanye scored our 2nd it was pandemonium!

So at that point we got bothered by a load of snotty little kids coming over banging a green & yellow drum as loud as they could right next to us and singing “Yer top of the leeegue, because yer shiiiiite” ha ha HA! brilliant!

So, what? What a win! I interviewed Margy and Keeper Morgs after having 5 pints, that was…erm…. Interesting….! Then we headed back to Urmsterdam in Kev’s Rangey before hitting The Roebuck for “open mic night” where Leeky’s lad Willie, and Glinka’s daughter Amelie, were both performing live – and very good they were too. After another 4 or 5 I headed home and fell asleep on the ironing board. Top day!!

Fans' Five Favourites #6 - Andy Fildes and Leeky Knights

Two long-standing supporters of the club - both Andy Fildes and Lee 'Leeky' Knights have been around a fair few years and both are invaluable supporters when it comes to Trafford. Here are their five favourites...

Andy Fildes

Current player: Ally Brown

All-time player: Garry Vaughan

Away day trip: Quorn NPL final at their ground and seeing Traffords results (we won) on Sky Sports in their club house after the game.

Off the pitch moment: Penalty shoot-out win and celebrations at Camel Laird to secure promotion to the Premier League.

Trafford goal: Jack Dorney’s late winner v Ossett. Being behind the goal with the 'noisy boys' when Jack scored as I was leaving the ground.

Leeky Knights

Leeky having confiscated a beer from someone... honest.

Current player: Harry Norris

All-time player: Andy Smart

Away day trip: Play-off final at Camel Laird. Eleanor in my shoulders as we watched the penalty heroics.

Off the pitch moment: Melford Knight having a disagreement in the car park with an away fan!

Trafford goal: All 5 of Shelton Payne's goals at Droylsden in the FA Cup!

21 Questions With... Harry Norris

Name: Harry Norris

Age: 23

Appearances: 80

Goals: 1

The maestro of Shawe View: Harry Norris

Before we get down to the nitty gritty, can you give us some details of your previous teams and what made you move to Trafford?

So before Trafford, I spent 2 seasons at New Mills where I really enjoyed my football in a good team. DC got in touch with me twice actually whilst I was there, the first time being during a run to the end of the season as we we're going for the title so I had to turn him down at first. 

Before this I spent 6 years at Oldham Athletic YT.

And your thoughts on the club as a whole now you've been here for a while?

As for the club, I've had a great time since joining at the start of last year. I was made to feel very welcome by everyone around the club and I think this still stands for all of the new lads. There's some top people involved all around the place and this away following we have especially is something to be proud of. 

Now the nitty gritty: we're down to the last few games of the season and 4 points clear of the drop zone - how are you personally feeling with with just 6 games to go? 

Yeah its getting a little bit nervy at this stage in the season with only a month to go. I think its quite easy to fall into a negative mindset whilst down towards the bottom but the mood around camp doesn't seem that way, still 18 points to play for as we stand so with a few good results can easily send us into mid-table where we feel we deserve to be. It'll be clear to see anyway that we want to finish as strong as possible and with the squad looking healthy we fancy ourselves to find some form.

It seems it's going to come down to a test of character, I guess you find out a lot about each other at times like this - how is the mood amongst the lads?

Correct, this will show what a lot of our lads are made of! As I say the mood is still positive and needs to stay that way.

As captain, are you doing or saying anything differently, or is it a case of just believing in what you're doing and each other?

I've obviously had to step up in the 2nd half of this season since being made captain and having so many changes to the squad, which I have enjoyed. But nothing has really changed in the last few weeks, it wasn't so long ago we we're playing some great football and getting big results. So we are trying to replicate that form and atmosphere around the place, and hopefully we get a bit of luck on the way.

You've played a lot of games since arriving at Trafford and become a fans favourite - I'm sure you've only missed 1 game in nearly 2 seasons. What is it like for yourself being captain at quite a young age and playing for this club?

I missed 1 game for a ban and got a rest against Glossop this year but other than that you are right. I can't see it being any other way for myself, I want to play every game and be an important part of the team, so I hate the thought of watching from the side-line. But yeah to play so many minutes and to be made captain has been brilliant and I can only thank the gaffer and fans for the backing.

It's really difficult planning futures at non-league clubs, I know, but I genuinely believe you have it in you to become an absolute legend at this club - could you see yourself still playing here a few years down the line?

It's hard to tell what might come of the future but I'd love to stay here and see the club grow which there is massive potential for.

We're 3rd bottom and yet we've got 2 full buses coming to the away game on Friday at Bootle: how important could the support be from now until the end of the season?

I love the away support we have, it really does make a difference. I wish I could get on the party bus and watch with the lads myself, there's been some great away days since I've been here. You can tell that some of our best away performances have been when we have a big and loud following. Always look forward to a coach trip as well so we can hear Liam Maguires Frank Sinatra.

We recently announced the re-signing of Glen Matthews, what will he bring to the squad at such an important time?

Yeah I'm buzzing Glenn's back, I can't wait to see a few of his diags. 

We also announced Eddie Brown, what can you tell us about him?

Not seen much of Eddie yet but he seems a tidy player from recent training sessions.

Talking of our support, you've been out for a few beers previously with members of our YoT, they're great lads - does it make it more special getting to know the supporters on a personal level?

Haha yeah it's easy to get dragged out into Urmston with that lot! Just need to make sure I go home a lot earlier than they do.

Do you have a favourite memory/game during your time at the club?

Favourite times we're probably when we went on the 7 game win streak last year. It's great when everyone is on form and you feel unbeatable.

And worst?

Worst probably the red card at Hednesford 1st game this year. Booked for asking for a yellow card was annoying as we weren't even aware of those new rules! (Not pointing any fingers...)

Which team do you support yourself?

Man United

And favourite player?

Favourite all time is definitely Rooney, grew up watching him and he was a joke.

Toughest player to mark in training?

Eddie Servuts

Best player you've come up against in our league?

Not sure of this one to be honest. Played against a lot of very good players but I don't tend to remember names or faces too well. 

What would you say your strengths are footballing wise?

I like to think I have improved my passing recently and is a strength of mine. I do also love to roll my sleeves up and have to properly defend the box. As nervy as it can be, I love to defend a lead late on in a game, and head and clear as far as possible.

And if you could improve one thing about your game overnight, what would you improve?

I'd have to agree with Burkey from last months Q's and say finishing. I've got myself into some very good positions to score and win a lot of first contacts in the box. I'd love to come out of a season with 10+ goals.

Talk me through the perfect day/night? Obviously it'll start with a Trafford win 😎 but what else are you doing?

Perfect day out is a toughhh one! I'd probably say a nice long dog walk, followed by a cup of tea, nice warm bath and a TV series before an early night.

Who are you nominating for the next 21 Qs with?

I'll nominate Sam Booth next.

21 Questions With... Mike Burke #2

Name: Mike Burke

Age: 26

Games: 96

Goals: 24

Mike Burke (Right) with a couple of Trafford supporters and Sean Higgins

We first did 21 Qs with you back in 2021, after you'd only made 12 appearances. You are now on 94; 6 away from 100. Joining the 100 club would be quite an achievement - is it something you are aware/proud of?

Yes I'm definitely aware of it. Its not something I’ve achieved at a club so far (I don’t think). I’ve really enjoyed my time here so to get to a 100 would be definitely something I'll be proud of!

And how has your time at Trafford been; especially with recent changes with the management?

I’ve loved it. There has obviously been lots of ups and downs, which is expected. I’ve always been in and out of the team for one reason or another, which has been frustrating but I've never wanted to move elsewhere. I think that’s mainly down to the feeling around the club, the supporters volunteers etc that make it what it is. 

The group seems to have settled after many changes, but ins and outs, once Margy took over.  How would you describe the chemistry of the current squad? 

Yes, lots of changes. It definitely took a while for things to settle down. I’ve never gone through something like that as a player where there has been so many comings and goings. I think those who had been here under DC initially found it hard but the squad is a lot more settled now and I think that has shown in our performances. Well, most of them!

We've recently started doing fans' favourite five, and you've come up as a few of the fans' current favourite player. What do you think it is about your game/style that makes you as popular with supporters as you are? 

Honestly not too sure! I think I’ve scored some really big goals for the club in my time here and I can never hold back when celebrating so maybe its that! 

You originally said back in 2021 that you'd got your love for football back - hopefully you still have that love and desire, but what is it, from a players perspective that makes Trafford what it is?

I mentioned before about the supporters and volunteers. Since I've been here there’s always been a good relationship with the players and the supporters which makes it what it is. I think because of that, the results mean more to the players. Although there’s been a big turnover of players, its something Harry as captain, along with me, Rob, Higgy etc have tried to keep maintain within the group.

Let's talk about Clitheroe away - how big a game was that at the time, and can you describe the feeling of scoring the winner?

It was an amazing day. When I scored I didn’t over-celebrate, like I normally do. It was early in the game so I think that was why. It was such a solid performance from everyone so to come away with the 3 points was massive and the scenes after the game I'll always remember. 12 Wobert Worrall’s!!

Was that goal your best/ most important? If not, which is?

I think its up there. There’s never been so much build up and talk before a game so to score the winner in it was amazing. From a personal perspective I think Witton 1-0 last year was up there. I’d missed a sitter in the first half so to score the winner in that was massive, it kept our winning run going as well so yeah, between that and Clitheroe I'd say. 

You strike me as a player who just enjoys and wants to play, and I've your time you've played in a range of positions from no.9 to a no.10, from right/left winger/midfielder and even in CM. Where do you feel most confident/comfortable?

Honestly I don’t really know. I have really enjoyed being on the right but my best game under Margy was in the 10 so I really don’t know. I am happy to play anywhere and we have a lot of competition in the forward places now so I'm happy to be flexible and play wherever I'm needed!

If you could wake up tomorrow and immediately improve one part of your game, what would it be?

I’d probably say heading. Although I'm quite small (insert jokes), I’ve had quite a lot of headed chances that I can remember and I always mis-judge them I think. Its something I've never been good at so I’d say that.

You were back on the bench versus Newcastle after a short time out with an injury, how big could the remaining games of the season be and what are your (the teams) ambitions for it?

If I would have answered this before Nantwich maybe I'd have had a different answer haha! The management have always been looking upwards and to be honest I never really contemplated us going down. I think we just want to finish the season strong and see how high we can finish. This league is unpredictable, so if we can string a few results together then who knows where we will finish. On a personal note I just want to finish the season fit, get to 100 appearances and try and get a couple more goals, because my tally this year hasn’t been good enough!

And regardless of where we finish (but presuming/hoping we do stay up), how exciting is the future with Margy leading us from the start of a season?

Yes very exciting! Its a good atmosphere in the group now and that comes from Margy’s management style. I’m sure the majority of the group will be here next year and that will be important as everyone will feel a lot more settled within the club. I think the way we play football has certainly improved and its a lot more enjoyable. Hopefully with a full season under Margy we can push higher up the table!

Talking of Nantwich, that's our second 4-0 defeat on an artificial pitch. How different is it playing on those surfaces and how does it affect the players? 

I personally like them but they are different. I don’t know whether its just a coincidence that they’ve both been on astro. Don’t think the pitch had much to do with the goals we conceded in those games.

Since we've got a very new dressing room, can you let us know: who is the worst trainer?

Jordan (Fagbola), does his business at the weekend.

Best trainer?

I’d say Tom Beckett.

And the worst finisher?

Harry Norris, should have more goals than me this year!!


Talking of training, Rob Worrall keeps telling me he has a lethal shot. Is this true, and why isn't he shooting more in games if so?

In training he scores worldies and for uni he has scored some worldies but soon as he puts on the Trafford shirt something changes haha.

Favourite away ground you've played at?

Witton, nothing but good memories there.

Least favourite away ground you've played at?

Widnes, not even close

Favourite takeaway?

Popolinos, give Hilal a call he’ll sort you out.

What's being listened to on your Spotify at the minute?

My old college playlist which consists of a mix of everything really from Bieber and Adele to Drake and Aj Tracey.

Who are you nominating for the next 21 Qs with? 

Harry Norris

Cheers Burkey, an absolute pleasure.