By Helen Thompson

Last updated 12:28, Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Top points scorer Carl Forber has left Workington Town to join NL2 rivals Rochdale Hornets.

Carl Forber

Half-back Forber, who was one of Town’s most consistent performers last season, rejected new terms at Derwent Park to move nearer home.

Town director Les Smallwood said the club had made moves to try and secure Forber for next season but were knocked back.

“We offered him improved terms and we thought he was going to sign but then we got a call from his agent to say that he had signed for Rochdale.”

The 23-year-old is the third player to leave the club in the past few days, following Dexter Miller and Matt Tunstall’s moves to Whitehaven.

But Town coach Dave Rotheram is confident he will find ample replacements to start next season afresh.

“We are currently speaking to a lot of players from all over the world and it is still very early days, the season has not finished for everyone,” said Rotheram.

“Some teams are still in the Grand Finals and depending on the outcomes, other players may become available.

“Carl had two fantastic years with us but the time has come for him that he wants to be nearer his family.

“I wish him every success and hope he continues on his upward curve. I know that he will be in good hands at Rochdale.”

Forber was an ever-present in Town’s 2008 campaign, scoring in every game, a feat only equalled 28 times in league history.

He was also the NL2’s leading points scorer the previous season with 254 to his credit from the league and play-off campaign.

And he equalled Dean Marwood’s club record of 13 goals in a game and also scored a hat-trick of tries as Town hammered a hapless Blackpool 86-6 at Derwent Park in the July.

Rochdale have been busy in the transfer market this season, also signing centres Mick Fogerty (ex-Keighley) and Casey Mayberry (Blackpool) ahead of the 2009 season.