Three nominations for honours at the Betfred League One awards night on Wednesday is a fair reward for Workington Town’s efforts this season.
But it’s been a major team effort to earn second spot, and that will be underlined if they can beat Keighley on Sunday and ensure a home game in the play-off final.
Coach Chris Thorman is on the shortlist for the League One coach of the year and he says: “It’s great to be nominated with Anthony Murray and Richard Squires who’ve both done really well with their respective clubs this season.
“I’ve got a great support staff here at the club and the nomination is as much for their hard work as it is mine. The team have really responded to my way of working and to have Jammer (Jamie Doran) and Brad (Brad Holroyd) nominated as well is really satisfying.
“They’ve been standout players in a very strong league and deserve their nominations.”
Thorman will be putting the final touches to his squad tomorrow after checking one or two injury issues.
But opponents Keighley have suffered a blow with their Young Player of the Year nominee Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e ruled out with a knee injury. He was hurt in the final league game with Doncaster and missed last week’s fine win at North Wales Crusaders.
There were hopes he would be ready to resume at Town but has now been ruled out for the season.
But there will be a Laulu-Togaga’e in the line-up, as well as a nominee for Young Player of the Year.
Phoenix’s father Quentin is a key member of the Cougars’ line-up at full-back while forward Charlie Graham was Keighley’s other nomination for Young Player of the Year.
Keighley won’t be short of support with four coaches and efforts still being made to get a fifth.
All supporters who travel will be given a Keighley scarf, club Hawaiian necklace, club-branded flashing badge and club coloured ponchos, all paid for and provided for by the club.
