Last updated at 19:51, Thursday, 02 August 2012

Broken promises are to blame for Workington Reds’ lack of transfer activity, according to boss Darren Edmondson.

The 40-year-old has been let down by “disrespectful” players and agents as he aims to put together a squad capable of challenging for Blue Square Bet North honours.

Edmondson has spoken to more than 20 players but has been left in the dark by those who have decided not to show up.

He said: “What can I do when a player agrees to join us for training and doesn’t turn up?

“It’s incredibly annoying and disrespectful to be told one thing by a player or his agent and to be left waiting when they don’t arrive as planned.

“I have been let down by people who have not told the truth. We have agreed for players to turn up for games, only for the phone to ring a couple of hours before kick off with the same excuses.

“Blaming geography is an easy get-out but I can’t move Workington closer to Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds.

“Players know where we are, and give positive answers at first, only to use travelling as an excuse not to come.

“Wage demands are the other stumbling block. I know Workington can’t offer massive wages.

“There is no bottomless pot of cash, but we offer competitive wages and a good standard of football.”

It’s not all doom and gloom with goalkeeper Aaran Taylor poised to sign a new deal and Phil McLuckie back training with the club.

Taylor, who left for a crack at professional football with Carlisle Utd, is ready to commit to the club and said he wants his future sorted out as soon as possible.

“I’m ready to sign on the dotted line,” he said.

“There are things I still need to talk about with Darren but I want to complete my move back to Workington as quickly as I can, and get on with preparing for the new season.

“I had to try my luck at Carlisle, and of course I’m disappointed that it didn’t work out, but I move on from that.

“I would have been daft to turn the opportunity down to join a professional football club, but now my focus is Workington, and making sure we have a decent year.”

McLuckie played for the reserve team against Ambleside on Wednesday night but said he couldn’t guarantee he would be around all season.

Work commitments have stopped the 23-year-old rejoining full-time.

He said: “Nothing is guaranteed. If I do come back it will be a pay-as-you-play deal because I cannot be available for every game.

“I spoke with Darren and took part in training for the first time on Tuesday. It was nice to get back playing, but nothing is sorted. I haven’t signed anything.”

Workington travel to Lancaster in their penultimate pre-season friendly tomorrow with new recruits Niall Cowperthwaite and Chris Wraighte, who have agreed one-year contracts.

l Simply Reds July draw: 1,£500, No723, Richard Thompson, Whitehaven; 2, £100, No87, Bob Haley, Frizington; 3, £75, No817, Daniel Brough, Workington; 4, £50, No320, Michael McAleavey, Workington; 5, £25, No638, Andrew White, Workington. Drawn by ex-Reds player Peter Foley.

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk