Former Preston North end starlet Joe Nolan has joined the ever-increasing band of exciting former English Football League players at Runcorn Linnets.

The midfielder had been at Preston since the age of nine and in December last year, fulfilled a childhood dream of scoring a goal at Deepdale when registering in the FA Youth Cup.

He volleyed in PNE's opener in their win over Bristol City Under 18s.

Joe appeared for the Linnets in Tuesday's 1-0 friendly defeat of Ashton United, immediately convincing manager Calum McIntyre that he is worth a place in the new season's squad at The Millbank.

In March 2020, Joe's potential was recognised with a coveted place in League Football Education's 'The 11'

This acknowledges the football and academic progress of Under-18 players on apprenticeships at current or former EFL clubs - and is also designed to assess other factors, including involvement in community or charity-based initiatives.

The 18-year-old had an impressive campaign in 2019-20, after struggling with injury throughout the first year of his scholarship.

Off the pitch, Joe was exceeding his target grades on the Extended Diploma, working at triple distinction level.

We welcome Joe to the club and wish him every success, hoping he enjoys his time with us.