RUNCORN FC Halton have made a double swoop in the transfer market as they prepare to make an impact next season in the new Nationwide Conference North.

The Linnets have had a busy fortnight, signing local lad Kieran Durkan, a 30-year-old midfielder, from Swansea City and strapping centre-back John Robertson from Lancaster City.

Manager Chris Lightfoot was delighted with his new signings, which will bring vital experience, versatility and strength to his squad.

He said: "Kieran is mainly a right winger but can play in a variety of positions which will be a valuable asset over the season.

"He is a Runcorn lad originally and so knows all about the club and he cannot wait to start playing for us in August."

Robertson, who is 6"3', started his career at Wigan Athletic where he made over 160 league appearances before a three-year spell at Lincoln City.

Since then he has played for a number of north west clubs, including Northwich Victoria, Southport and Leigh RMI, and will bring height to the Linnets defence as well as an attacking threat from set-pieces.

"John is another great signing for the club," Lightfoot said. "He is a giant of a lad and is something that we were missing in defence last season when we conceded a lot of goals from set-pieces."

Durkan played in the Eire U21 side early in his career before helping Stockport then Macclesfield to promotion.

Both he and Robertson have considerable experience of league football and will no doubt become firm favourites with Linnets fans if Runcorn FC Halton have a successful first season in the Conference North.