Workington Reds have added another two new faces to their injury-hit squad ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Market Drayton.
It’s contrasting recruitment – an 18-year-old rookie midfielder on loan from Carlisle United and an experienced, much-travelled 32-year-old who can play in midfield or defence.
Keelan Leslie is a West Cumbrian who completed two years at Brunton Park before signing his first six-month professional contract earlier in the summer.
Paul Marshall only signed for Radcliffe Borough in July, one of several Lancashire clubs he has played for after starting his career in the Manchester City youth set-up.
It means that in the last week manager Chris Willcock has brought in five new faces as he battles with an injury-hit squad, six light at Clitheroe on Monday and a seventh not fully fit on the bench. Two or three could be out for three to four weeks longer.
Assistant manager Steven Rudd played a big part in recruiting Leslie, having coached the youngster from when he was 13 years of age.
“He has been with Carlisle since he was about nine, although he is from the Moresby area in West Cumbria. I think he’s a promising young player and at a time when we’re down on numbers it will be a useful move for him and the club,” said Rudd.
Marshall is at the other end of the experience spectrum having racked up 247 appearances, including FC Halifax (93), Curzon Ashton (34), Alfreton(21) and Bradford Park Avenue (12). He also had loan spells while at City with Port Vale (13), Aberdeen (9), Blackpool (2) before signing for Walsall (18), Rochdale (1) and back to Port Vale (15).
Previous to their arrival, Willcock had signed Kyle Harrison (now suspended for three games), Rowan Roache and Donae Lawrence who all started Monday’s game ay Clitheroe, playing strong roles in the 2-0 win.
