An ambitious young manager, with a strong coaching background, Wild has an impressive track record in terms of club success and player development.

The 34-year-old has managed at our level with Mossley AFC but spent the last two years as assistant at NPL Premier Division side Matlock Town.

He helped to steer the Gladiators into the play-off semi-finals after a fourth-place finish in 2021/22.

Manchester-based Wild, who outside football teaches PE in behavioural education, has now decided that the time is right to revert back to being a number one again and believes that Runcorn Linnets is the ideal destination.

Wild has a good range of managerial experience behind him, initially as assistant boss of Maine Road and Northwich Victoria.

In January 2017, he became first team manager of Stockport Town, leading them - at 28 - into the Cheshire Senior Cup final as the lowest-ranked club ever to have achieved that feat.

He moved to Mossley in March 2018, initially as joint manager before taking sole charge in summer 2019.

His 89-game stint featured 39 wins with 17 draws, the Lilywhites also making the Manchester FA Premier Cup final.

He departed for Matlock in February 2020 to assist his former Mossley joint boss Paul Phillips, and left Causeway Lane earlier this week.

Wild is a UEFA-qualified coach and football analyst, holding a B licence and currently working towards grade A.

His credentials also include a BSc in Coaching for Performance in Elite Football.

His coaching career began in 2009 as a BTEC coach/educator at Manchester City.

His first venture in non-League football was as lead opposition scout for Curzon Ashton, playing a significant part in their elevation to the National League North.

Armed with FA Youth Awards 1, 2 and 3, he has had three spells in Finland, coaching 10-16-year-olds at third-tier Tampereen Pallo-Veikot (TVP). He has also worked in Greece.

He has mentored players, who have subsequently forged professional careers in the EFL while two other proteges have played internationally for Somalia and Zimbabwe.

He brings an excellent working knowledge of the NPL scene and, has demonstrated dedication and skill in all aspects of club management.

Through experience and achievements at Steps 3 and 4, he is fully aware what it takes to be successful and is ready and determined to build on Runcorn Linnets' progress thus far as our seventh manager since formation in 2006.

Runcorn Linnets received 25 applications for the job, but chairman Peter Cartledge said Wild was the unanimous choice from a strong shortlist.

He told https://www.runcornlinnetsfc.co.uk: "Dave's professionalism, drive, expertise and knowledge of the Northern Premier League were all key factors in him securing the position.

"He is a born winner and I have no doubt that he will do well for Runcorn Linnets and build on fantastic foundations.

"I wish to thank the four, high-quality shortlisted candidates for the time they have given up to apply and be interviewed.

"All five interviewed extremely well but Dave was the standout candidate."

Meanwhile, 29-year-old former Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham goalkeeper Andy Coughlin has joined us from Colwyn Bay – Runcorn’s second capture from the Seagulls in 24 hours, following the arrival of James Ellison.

Standing 6`3”, Coughlin was previously involved in two FA Trophy Finals with Wrexham and has also represented England C.

He had earlier made two League appearances for Tranmere Rovers after graduating from their youth ranks.

Ellison, 22, is a product of the Tranmere Rovers youth system and is in his second spell at Colwyn Bay.

He made 32 appearances for the club in the 2018/19 season – the Bay’s last campaign in England – before joining Marine AFC, where he was part of their squad that enjoyed a tremendous FA Cup run in 2020/21 which finally ended with defeat against Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur.