Up and coming young talent Sam Joel has agreed a new contract to keep him at Workington Reds for the new 2017/18 season.

The addition of Joel, who joined Workington back in January, is a welcome boost ahead of the start of the pre-season games this week.

The former Blackburn Rovers youngster improved steadily last season and Reds joint bosses Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews were keen to hold on to the youngster as they looked ahead.

"He showed last season that he is a very talented player," said Hewson. "He can score goals and can play in a number of different positions.

"I think this season he will continue to kick on even more as he will benefit from having a full pre-season and also for playing for a full season.

"Sam came in halfway through last season which is difficult for anyone so I am looking forward to seeing how he comes on this year."

Joel spent the bulk of his career with Blackburn Rovers having come through their Academy from the age of 10.

He has scored for Rovers Academy and their Under 21s as well as netting goals in the FA Youth Cup.

This now means that last year's squad are all back on board, with the exception of veteran defender Kyle May, who finished at the end of last season.

"We have everyone signed up, everyone in the current squad has agreed terms to return which is massive for us," said Hewson.

"We have got a really young squad which I think sets up up really nicely for the future and I am looking forward to seeing them in action."

Workington begin their schedule of eight pre-season friendlies with the annual trip to neighbours Whitehaven Amateurs on Wednesday night.

The clash for the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy kicks off at the County Ground, Whitehaven at 7.30pm.