Blues Match Preview: Runcorn Linnets v Chester FC

Chester FC's second test of pre-season will see Calum McIntyre's team travel to his former side for a clash with Runcorn Linnets.

Chester FC's preparations for 25/26 began on Saturday with a 3-1 defeat to Bury FC at Gigg Lane.

The boss rotated his squad as outfield players were restricted to 45 minutes, with two sides that featured multiple youth team players and trialists.

The Opposition

Our midweek opponents are preparing for their eighth consecutive season in the NPL Division One West, a league that Linnets have become perennial play-off challengers in.

Last season saw a dip for the club thought with an 11th-placed finish, after an impressive streak of never finishing below sixth in any season that has been completed in the eighth tier to date.

Linnets were formed in 2006 after the financial demise of Runcorn FC Halton, who were founded in 1918 and enjoyed a club-high level of the Conference for 10 seasons between 1986-96.

The Gaffer

Brad Cooke was announced as the new boss at the APEC Taxis Stadium in early February after the departure of former Barnsley, Tranmere Rovers, and Milton Keynes Dons defender Antony Kay.

Cooke is most well known for a 10-year association with Atherton Collieries, a club which he made 265 appearances as a player before a four-year managerial stretch between 2019-23.

The 38-year-old started his managerial career with NCWFL side West Didsbury and Chorlton but left the club whilst in sixth-place after the opportunity came up with Collieries.

Match Details

Kick off on Tuesday night is 19:45.

The postcode for the ground is WA7 6GJ.

The APEC Taxis Stadium holds a maximum capacity of 1,600 spectators.