Workington Reds’ forward Iyrwah Gooden has left the club to join NPL East side Worksop Town.
Gooden, 21, was signed for the Reds by former manager Danny Grainger before he left to join Falkirk as assistant manager.
A former professional with Mansfield Town, Gooden spent time in NPL West with two of Workington’s rivals, Ramsbottom and Clitheroe.
At Ramsbottom he played under Chris Willcock and alongside Ruben Jerome and Nico Evangelinos who are now with Workington.
Gooden has mainly been used from the bench this season and, in recent matches, has not even been named in the squad.
Reds have thanked him for his services and wished him well for his future with Worksop which starts this afternoon away to Stocksbridge.
Meanwhile, Newcastle Town have made a late signing ahead of their NPL West game at Workington this afternoon.
Connor Russo, who was 22 on Thursday, spent six years at Stoke City, progressing through their age group sides before being released.
He spent time in America, studying and playing football, and on his return to England joined NPL West side Market Drayton.
Although the League’s bottom side have scored few goals this season, Russo has on his CV a first minute goal against Warrington Rylands who have emerged as contenders for the League title.
Newcastle have improved strongly throughout the season. Indeed they looked better than a third-bottom side when Reds drew there 1-1 early in the season thanks to a Matty Clarke strike.
Reds boss Chris Willcock felt the same and knows his side have a challenge on their hands against well-organised opponents.
Experienced Dutch manager Robin van der Laan has been in charge since 2018 and played over 300 League games for Port Vale, Derby County, Wolves and Barnsley. His two sons are members of the squad.
Willcock won’t be able to name an unchanged side for the third successive game as skipper Conor Tinnion had to be replaced after 21 minutes of Tuesday’s 2-0 win at City of Liverpool.
He was replaced by Ceiran Casson in mid-field and it looks as though he might be out of action for at least a fortnight.
