Workington Reds new boss Mark Fell has suffered a fresh blow even before he gets his feet under the table.
Long-serving defender Sam Smith has joined other club stalwarts Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison and called time on his career.
There’s no doubt that Fell would have had Smith marked down for a key role as he starts the task of rebuilding Reds – and he might even have had a try at persuading the other two to have another go for a season.
While Tinnion and Allison had been half-expected by the Workington faithful to call it a day, Smith’s decision will come as a surprise and a shock.
He has had his injury issues in recent years but has come back as good as ever and played a leading role in Tuesday’s Fred Conway County Cup win over Carlisle United.
Another long-serving player, who made his debut in November 2013 Sam has gone on to make 284 starts, as well as 77 substitute appearances and has scored 25 goals in the process.
Sam said today: “This has been an unbelievably tough decision for me to make but I will be leaving Reds at the end of the season which is after the Guiseley game at the weekend.
“From a 16-year-old in the Reserves and 11 fantastic seasons in the first team, including captaining by boyhood team in an NPL play-off final, the journey has been memorable and I wouldn’t change any of it.
“I would like to thank the many players I have lined up alongside, the managers I have worked under, the board and the Workington supporters but, most of all my family who have been there through all the ups and downs the game throws at you.
“I have made some wonderful friends, people who will be friends for life.
“I wish the club every success moving forward and hope there are many more Workington lads who can go on a similar journey to me. Now I look forward to just being a fan of this great club – which I have always been.”
Manager Danny Grainger said: “Sam is one of the core group I feel priviliged, and fortunate enough, to coach as part of my team. He is a natural leader, demands high standards and will always give 100%.
“The partnership Sam had with Goose (Dan Wordsworth) in central defence, in my eyes, was one of the best around non-league and a huge part of the success we enjoyed in recent years. Whatever he decides to do next, I am sure he will make a success of it.
“Workington Reds supporters will be gutted to see him leave as he is one of their favourites and he will certainly deserve all the plaudits that come his way.
“I need to thank him face to face for everything he has done for me and the team because, not only as a player, but as a person he is one of the best.”
It’s likely to be quite an emotional game on Saturday – the last of the season – with three huge club favourites bowing out at the same time.
