Three more influential figures at Borough Park have announced they are re-signing for Workington Reds.
Matty Clarke, runner-up in the Reds Supporters Player of the Year poll and scorer of Goal of the Season, has resisted several offers to play his trade elsewhere.
Goalkeeper Jim Atkinson was among the nominees for Best Goalkeeper in the Lower Leagues and his sweeper keeper style and accurate distribution have marked him down as a key player for Danny Grainger.
Dav Symington emerged as Workington’s top scorer last season and his fierce shooting has become a serious weapon in the Reds armoury.
Clarke said: “Last season was a tough one to take, how it ended and I feel like leaving at this time wouldn’t be fair on the club and fans.
“I want to get the job done and do what we set out to do when I first joined the club. I’m looking forward to getting in to pre-season and kicking on again.
“Danny was a huge part of me staying at the club, too and it’s great to be back working under him again. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the start of the season.”
Grainger said: “Matty has shown great commitment to the club by signing again after turning down multiple offers from other clubs.
“He has shown how reliable he is by playing as much football as he did last season. He is a huge part of how we will be playing next season and I’m sure he will keep developing and getting better each season.”
Goalkeeper Atkinson said: “It was an easy decision for me to stay with the return of Danny as manager. I like to play quick, attacking football, which I know we did under him the previous year.
“Hopefully we can go one further this year in a difficult League and give the fans what they deserve. I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling already.”
The manager said: “Jim was a huge success in my first spell as manager and I’m hoping he can have the same impact again.
“He is very important to the way we play and has a huge impact on the team on and off the pitch.”
Symington had this to say: “I’m very happy to see Danny is back. I cant wait to see who he brings in to join the team and can’t wait for pre-season already. Come on the Reds!”
Grainger said: “Dav’s influence on and off the pitch is huge on how we do things.
“His goal return in the last few seasons and has been superb and we will be looking for him to keep up with the standards he has set himself now and help us push on towards our targets and ambitions.”
Although Reds have announced five players have left the club, the news that six key players are staying has boosted Workington supporters.
Like Symington, the fans are keen to see the new faces that manager Grainger will be bringing in to complete his squad.
