Workington Town head coach Chris Thorman has the bulk of his squad in place ahead of the start of pre-season in just over two weeks.

Thorman has been busy putting his plans into action and signing up new and old players since he put pen to paper on a new three-year deal last month.

And the 39-year-old believes he is “there or thereabouts” with recruitment and retention and also plans to invite “three or four” players to go on trial with the club after the successful auditions for Russ Bolton and Blain Marwood last season which resulted in both joining the club for longer spells.

“Recruitment was something that we highlighted because the squad was just too thin and we’re there or thereabouts with that,” he said.

“I highlighted outside backs because I thought our strength in depth wasn’t great.

“I wanted more balanced and well-rounded outside backs that could play in a few positions.”

One issue which hampered Thorman during his first season at Derwent Park was a constantly depleted squad and he hopes clever recruitment, as well as ensuring the staff are doing all they can to minimise risk, should address that.

“Recruitment is part of that and having a bigger player pool but we’ve got to look at everything; the medical department and how we manage injuries,” he said.

“Sometimes it just comes down to bad luck but we’ve got to take that out of it, prepare and be thorough as a staff.”

The Town boss is set to welcome his players back for the start of pre-season on November 16, with the squad due to meet at Netherhall School in Maryport, and he has faith that they will report back in top condition and ready to get their preparation under way.

“We will be meeting for a bit of a catch-up, some expectations and possibly some goal-setting but the main stuff is to do some physical testing,” he said.

“They’ve had a programme to follow during the break of three or four sessions a week to do in their own time so there’s got to be a certain element of trust.

“They needed a rest because last season was a long, hard one and took its toll on a pretty small squad so it’s important they can refresh.”

Thorman also hopes to make an addition to his coaching staff as he looks to put his own stamp on the club behind the scenes.

“We’ll definitely be bringing one new staff member in and that will just be to assist me,” he said.

“I think it’s probably good to freshen things up and he’s a very well-known member of the rugby league community in Cumbria.”