PURPS SECURE SIMPSON SIGNING

City of Liverpool FC are pleased to announce the signing of Michael Simpson.

Simmo was a key part of Michael Ellison’s Runcorn Linnets side which won the NWCFL Premier Division title.

A midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence, Simpson started his career at Bury before playing over 200 times for Linnets across a couple of spells.

Our new signing may be remembered by fans for scoring a spectacular brace as Linnets secured a resounding 5-1 win against Simon Burton’s Purps on their way to the 2018 NWCFL Premier Division title.

Since leaving the APEC Taxis Stadium, Simpson has recently represented NPL West champions Warrington Rylands and Step 5 play off winners Skelmersdale United.

“Simmo is a player who we’ve worked with before and who has great experience at this level,” manager Michael Ellison explained.

“He has a great attitude to his fitness, training, and matchdays and we know he will be an asset to the club for Season 2022/23”

“I’m delighted to be working with him again!”

Welcome to the club, Simmo.

POTTER SIGNS FOR 2022-23

City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce that Freddie Potter has agreed a deal for the 2022-23 campaign.

The 33-year-old forward featured last pre-season for City of Liverpool after leaving Warrington Rylands, having worked with Michael Ellison to great success at Runcorn Linnets.

Freddie then joined the club on the eve of last season and went on to have the perfect beginning to life in Purple, scoring twice on his debut start as the Purps won 3-1 at Newcastle Town.

Freddie followed this up with a Bank Holiday derby winner against Bootle two days later, before making it four goals in three games by firing the Purps to an excellent 1-0 victory over Clitheroe in the FA Cup.

Potter’s Purple Patch continued as he hit the opener in an excellent personal performance, as the ten-man Purps won 3-2 win at his former club, and eventual champions, Rylands.

Affectionately dubbed “Purple Jesus” by supporters, Potter quickly became a real fan favourite before an innocuous injury sustained early on against Farsley Celtic saw him miss much of the rest of the season.

Freddie made his return from injury as a substitute on the final day of the season, finishing with 7 goals in 14 appearances for Michael Ellison’s side.

Ello explained, “Freddie was a big miss for us last season.”

“The timing of his injury and the fact it was a freak injury which kept him out for the majority of the season really, really hurt us”.

“If we can keep Freddie fit for this year, get him on the pitch and manage him well, I think it’s clear what he’ll bring and that’s goals!”

“He’s had a lot of offers again from other clubs, so I’m glad he’s decided to give it one more year [at City of Liverpool].”

“I’m glad he’s still a Purp and I’m looking forward to having a good pre-season with him and him hitting the ground running.”

PURPS FANS TREK SNOWDONIA FOR MENTAL HEALTH CAUSE

Two City of Liverpool supporters will be hiking 120 miles along Snowdonia Way at the end of May in aid of mental health charity The Lee Cooper Foundation.

Chris Davies and Adam Thornley will complete the challenge in memory of Adam’s younger brother Lee, who sadly took his own life in February 2018 at the age of 17.

The Lee Cooper Foundation was set up in Lee Thornley’s name from the unimaginable grief which led to a strong desire for change; change in the stigma around mental health and a change in the support available.

The foundation acts as a bridge between our young people and the endless waiting lists for our underfunded mental health services.

[Adam Thornley and Chris Davies who will be hiking the Snowdonia Way]

Beginning on 27th May, Chris and Adam’s fundraiser will see them trek from end to end of the National Park in aid of this fantastic organisation, promoting the idea of exploring our surroundings to improve mental health whilst talking to loved ones.

Chris explained, “We think the nature of the challenge ties in perfectly with the great work the charity does. Getting outdoors, leaving the stresses of everyday life on the backburner, and enjoying the simpler things in life like getting out in nature or talking to a friend or family member”.

Lily Spendlove, CEO and founder of The Lee Cooper Foundation, added, “The Lee Cooper Foundation is a mental health foundation run by young people for young people.”

“I created TLCF after I lost my best friend Lee to suicide, in order to bridge the gap between young people with poor mental health and the existing statutory services.”

“Since starting in 2018, we now provide a wealth of mental health provision, varying in the type of support offered, and also of different intensities.”

“We aim to provide a safe space for young people ages 11-24 and we do this through our well-being hub in Prescot.”

“Young people do not require a mental health diagnosis, or a formal referral to access our support, any young person is welcome at TLCF”.

Anyone interested in donating to Chris and Adam’s challenge can do so using the link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/seetomorrow?utm_term=DRM5nrxPD

For more information about the amazing work of The Lee Cooper Foundation, please visit:

www.theleecooperfoundation.co.uk

PURPS ANNOUNCE MCKENNA ARRIVAL

City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce the signing of Danny McKenna from Witton Albion.

The 24 year old came through the youth ranks at Bolton Wanderers before joining Witton in 2016 and spent time with Michael Ellison’s Runcorn Linnets before returning to Wincham Park in 2017.

A versatile operator, Danny is capable of operating in both defence and midfield and is known for having a sweet left foot – particularly from set pieces.

McKenna made 41 appearances for Witton Albion last season and is Michael Ellison’s second new signing, following John McGrath’s return to the club, as the Purps manager builds his squad ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.

Ello explained, “Danny is obviously a player I know well, who I’ve worked with before”

“He’s been plying his trade in the NPL Premier division for a number of seasons, he’s the right age and he fits the profile of the type of player we want to sign”.

“He’s young, he’s ambitious, he can play in a number of positions and he’s got a great left foot on him”.

“I’m delighted he’s decided to be a Purp because he’s had a lot of interest from other clubs, so the fact he’s decided to sign for us is great and I’m looking forward to working with him again”.

SCHOEY EXTENDS PURPS STAY

City of Liverpool FC are delighted to confirm that Ryan Schofield has agreed a deal to remain at the club for the 2022-23 season.

The defender joined the Purps in August 2021 having spent much of the summer on trial with Southport and made an immediate impression.

Schofield made his debut captaining his new side in an opening day draw with Ramsbottom, in the absence of club skipper Nathan Burke.

Schoey started the season in excellent form and was a leader point at the back for Michael Ellison’s side until an injury ruled him out for much of the middle part of the campaign.

In total, Schoey appeared 30 times for the Purps last season scoring one goal, which was the winner at home to Mossley towards the end of the season.

Ello explained, “Schoey is like a number of players in the squad in that last season he missed large parts due to injury.”

“I think when he was match fit, when he was available, he put in some really, really good performances in some big games for us.”

“His performances in the run-in towards the end of the season were outstanding, certainly post-Clitheroe and after having a chat with him I think we’re on the same page”.

“He’s aggressive, really good in the air, he’s a leader and what you’d call a natural defender so I’m looking forward to working with him for another season”.

PURPS DELIGHT IN RETAINING WALLS

City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce that Jack Walls has signed a deal to stay at the club for the 2022-23 season.

The former Liverpool youngster joined the Purps in October 2021 and immediately made the right back spot his own, making 26 appearances and scoring one goal – a stunning long-range strike at Glossop North End.

Walls became a real fan favourite, balancing solid defensive displays with eye-catching forays forward down the right, and secured several man of the match awards as he became a key player for Michael Ellison.

Jack bagged two assists as the Purps routed Prescot Cables 6-0 in their own back yard, and had a number of key contributions across the season.

Notably, Walls produced a fine display as we took a hard-earned three points at Trafford and made a heroic goal-saving challenge in injury time as the Purps won 1-0 against Prescot on the final day of the season.

Ello explained, “I think Jack fits the profile of the type of player we want to bring to the club”.

“He’s 20 years of age and has a fantastic pedigree. He’s had a really, really good first season at this level for us”.

“He needs to improve in certain areas, which he knows, but he has aspirations of getting back into full-time football and we think we can give him the platform to do that”.

“For such a young lad he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. He’s fit, he can defend and has got a goal and assist in him”.

“I’m really looking forward to having a good pre-season with him this summer, hitting the ground running and having a successful season this year”.

PURPS ANNOUNCE RETURN OF MCGRATH

City of Liverpool FC are delighted to announce that we have reached an agreement with John McGrath to return to the club for the 2022-23 campaign.

The winger returns for a fourth stint at the club, having initially signed from Liverpool Football College in 2017 and has made 101 appearances for the Purps to date, scoring 33 goals.

John was a key part of the side which won the 2018-19 NWCFL Premier Division title and scored the winner in a man of the match display as the Purps won the Reusch Champions Cup in July 2019.

Since leaving the club in 2020 John had a spell at NWCFL Premier side Lower Breck before moving to Widnes in September 2021.

McGrath hit fine form with Widnes, notching 12 goals in 23 appearances last season and became a real favourite at the DCBL stadium.

John now makes the return to his hometown club where he has always been held in high esteem for his energetic displays, creativity, and penchant for important goals.

McGrath is in a select group of Purps centurions, leaving him 8th on the all-time appearance list, and 4th on the all-time top scorer list.

Manager Michael Ellison is delighted to welcome John back to the club, “John Mc is obviously a very familiar name to the Purps and I was disappointed I didn’t get the chance to work with him when I first took over”.

“He’s had a really good season last season [at Widnes] and scored a number of goals”.

“I’m delighted he’s back with the Purps and that I’ll have the chance to work with him”.

“The thing that we want him to bring is goals and assists. He knows the club well, so I don’t think there’ll be any bedding-in period and hopefully he’ll hit the ground running”.

“I am delighted he’s decided to sign!”