Workington Reds will meet up again with Macclesfield and Warrington Rylands next season – the two teams who finished above them in NPL West over the last two seasons.
Macclesfield were this season’s champions with Leek Town runners-up but Workington, who finished third, went on to win the play-off final against Runcorn Linnets.
Reds got back into that game with an equaliser in the shape of an own goal from Linnets’ defender Sam Heathcote – who has just been announced as one of four signings by Macclesfield.
Heathcote was top appearance maker for the Linnets last season, making 54 appearances in all competitions. He scored six goals during that time, including one against Macclesfield in the Cheshire Senior Cup but of course will be remembered at Borough Park for the vital own goal he contributed to Workington’s eventual play-off triumph.
He has been joined at Macclesfield by three other players. Thomas Peers has left National League North side Curzon Ashton after making 11 appearances, scoring five goals during that time.
Hayden Campbell also joins from Curzon Ashton. The 20-year-old came through ranks at Port Vale and Salford City, before signing for Stalybridge Celtic, Altrincham, FC United of Manchester and Marine.
Finally, Max Johnstone, the brother of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam, has joined as the new number one. He has previously played for Fleetwood Town, Manchester United, Sunderland, St Johnstone and AFC Fylde.
Warrington Rylands pipped Reds to the 2021/22 title and consolidated last season with a mid-table finish in the NPL Premier Division 10th of 22.
They have announced early recruitment success with four new players signed-up already and a key current member of the squad has signed a new contract..
Ben Hardcastle has signed from Atherton Collieries, where he made 20 appearances for the club last season, after signing from Ashton United in January. His only goal came on the final day of the season, when the Colls secured their Premier Division status with a 3-3 draw against Stalybridge Celtic.
Clive Smith also joins from the Colls. The right-back made 31 appearances in all competitions for Brad Cooke’s side last season. He made the move in September from FC United of Manchester. He has also played for Preston North End and St Johnstone in his career.
James Butler has signed for the club from Southern League side Mickleover. He graduated from the academy at Stoke City, before moving on to Kidsgrove Athletic and Mickleover.
Mo Touray initially joined the club in February on loan from Marine. He made 11 appearances for the club, scoring five goals. The last of which came on the final day, during their 3-3 draw against Morpeth Town. Following the conclusion of the loan spell, he was released by the Mariners and has now joined Rylands on a permanent deal.
Nield was Rylands’ top appearance maker last season. He made 50 appearances for the club last year in all competitions. He also scored two goals, the first in a 2-0 win over Nantwich Town, and the other in a 4-0 victory over Radcliffe.
James Touray initially joined the club in February on loan from Marine. He made 11 appearances for the club, scoring five goals. The last of which came on the final day, during their 3-3 draw against Morpeth Town. Following the conclusion of the loan spell, he was released by the Mariners and has now joined Rylands on a permanent deal.
Workington have so far not announced any departures or new arrivals but manager Danny Grainger is currently involved in talks with members of his existing squad and possible new recruits.
