Times & Star

Briggs issues a deadline to Reserves who joined Gretna

By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:51, Thursday, 24 July 2008

Boss Herbert Briggs has left open the possibility of his title-winning reserves returning to Workington Reds from Gretna – but only for another three weeks.

Herbert Briggs

Briggs has been rebuilding Workington’s second-string following widespread departures to the Scottish outfit, where they have rejoined old boss Stuart Rome, who led Reds to the Lancashire League title last term.

And he warned: “I have left the door open, but only until August 13, when the season starts. I will then kick on with the guys I’ve got. I can’t hang around for ever.”

He has signed 10 Under-18s from Workington Juniors, who will become Reds’ youth team, and mainstays including Dan Gullen, Steven Rudd, Craig Johnston and Will Heaney have kept faith with Borough Park.

“We are in a better state than two weeks ago and are slowly but surely getting there,” Briggs added.

“Anything better than mid-table will be a bonus this season. We’ll have a very young side and it will be all about enjoyment.”

Reds reserves open their account at Burscough on Wednesday, August 13.

Meanwhile, Corus will add steel to Reds next season after winning the club’s shirt sponsorship draw.

The steel producer beat off over 70 entrants to win the right to have its name emblazoned on the first-team’s home and away shirts for the new campaign. The draw raised over £7,000 for club coffers – more than two grand up on last season.

“Any money raised helps the club, and this is a good result,” said director Alec Graham.

Season tickets are now available from Borough Park. Prices have been frozen at last year’s levels.

WORKINGTON RESERVES FIXTURES

August

Wednesday 13 Burscough (a)

Friday 22 Fleetwood Town (h)

Friday 29 Bamber Bridge (h)

September

Tuesday 2 Barrow (h)

Monday 8 Darwen (a)

Wednesday 17 Salford (a)

Friday 19 Chorley (a)