Workington Reds legend Kyle May says the chance to help out his old club due to a spate of injuries was too good to refuse.

The 33-year-old retired at the end of last season following his side's 3-2 play-off final defeat to Salford City.

But the centre back has effectively come out of retirement to sign non-contract terms for the new season and will be called upon if needed.

May has featured in seven of his side's eight pre-season games and scored on his first game back against Whitehaven last month.

The veteran defender is expected to feature in this afternoon's final pre-season fixture against Kendal Town.

Fellow stoppers Gari Rowntree and Anthony Wright will miss next weekend's league opener at Rushall Olympic and May will also be unavailable.

May said: "It's probably the shortest retirement ever. If the management team had got the players they wanted I wouldn't be coming back.

"They've got injuries and I've missed it so it works for both parties.

"Degsy (Derek Townsley) rang and we had a talk about what I could and couldn't do and it works out for them and me.

"I've had a bit of stick, but I've really enjoyed pre-season and it's been good for me.

"It wasn't the fact that I didn't want to come back. I knew I always wanted to play, it's just what's going on outside of football with my family and work commitments.

"I've had to give Degsy a list of games I could and couldn't play in and they needed to make a decision whether it was worth it for them.

"The club have done so much for me and I will always help them as much as I possibly can.

"The relationship I have with Degsy, Daba and Bones (Derek Townsley, Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews) has always been a friendship. We will always respect each other."

Reds go into this afternoon's fixture on the back of three draws and one defeat in their last four games.

General team manager Derek Townsley admitted after last weekend's draw with Lancaster that he didn't know who would start against Rushall next weekend.

Townsley has had to field makeshift teams in pre-season and has had to call on youth players including Jamie Bethwaite and Calum Henderson.

James Earl, who has hampered by injuries last term, could play some part today.

May added: "We've only got a week to go until the new season and they will be trying to play their best team and I'm guessing we will be doing something similar.

"I'm expecting it to be more of a competitive game with it being the last pre-season match."

Kick off at the Pye Motors Stadium is at 3pm.