Following kick-off, running back for corner (4)
I believe the answer is:
nook
'corner' is the definition.
(I know that corner can be written as nook)
'following kick-off running back' is the wordplay.
'following' says to put letters next to each other.
'kick-off' becomes 'ko'.
'running' becomes 'on' (eg when a machine is running it is on).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ko' next to 'on' is 'koon'.
'koon' in reverse letter order is 'NOOK'.
'for' is the link.
(Other definitions for nook that I've seen before include "Secluded spot" , "Secluded corner" , "Corner or small recess" , "Hidey-hole" , "small secure zone" .)