Workington Town head coach Phil Veivers hopes the club will be in a position to name their first off-season signing next week.

Veivers returned after a trip to Australia earlier this week.

“It hasn’t really stopped behind the scenes in the off-season,” the Aussie said.

“We’ve travelled a little way with some potential signings and we’ll probably have something to announce in the next week.

“I’m still chasing a couple and trying to balance the squad out. We’ve got five players who have had operations so there will be a lot of rehab for them.”

Veivers confirmed that, as well as losing winger Elliott Miller to rivals Whitehaven, centre Scott Akehurst has also left.

“I’m shy of a few outside backs after losing Elliott and Scott,” Veivers continued. “Scott decided the game wasn’t for him. Credit to him for giving it a go. It’s a shame because he’s got the ability and I think he could have been a great player.”

Workington have also confirmed the first fixture of their pre-season programme and will travel to face Barrow Raiders on Sunday, January 17 for a 3pm kick-off.

“Barrow went well in their division last year and for us it’s about development,” Veivers said.

“Our annual fixture with Whitehaven should be announced soon and I want to get a third game in too.

“I don’t think we hit the ground running last year and I don’t want us to be looking over our shoulders again.

“We’re not sure about the opposition yet, be it against a League One club or a Super League side.”