Gibson has made the move across the Mersey Gateway bridge to become Widnes' first signing of the summer ahead of the upcoming Northern Premier League season.

A pacey forward by-trade, Gibson joined his hometown club Linnets midway through the 2018-19 season and immediately made an impression at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Ryan, who had played local football for Helsby prior to making the move to Linnets, has featured against Widnes in Halton Derbies and produced a Man of the Match performance in last season's league meeting at the DCBL Stadium.

Co-manager Kev Towey was naturally delighted to secure Gibson's signature: "Ryan's a player I've admired for several years.

"He was one of the best players on the pitch when we played against Runcorn last season and the main things that underpinned his performance that day was his work-rate.

"His pace will suit the way we are looking to play but most importantly, his attitude is excellent.

"Ryan has said he would like to play more down the middle and I'm excited to work with him and help develop this side of his game."

Gibson played 24 times for Runcorn in last season's curtailed campaign, scoring three goals.