Sam Smith, who announced his retirement at the end of last season after great service to Workington Reds, is set to play again.
The 31-year-old defender has signed for Carlisle City in the Northern League and could make his debut on Saturday.
Smith said he was hanging up his boots alongside fellow Reds stalwarts Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison when Reds completed their return season to the NPL Premier Division.
But two West Cumbrians in Dan Kirkup’s City squad have persuaded Smith to step out of retirement and sample life in the Northern League First Division.
Manager Kirkup said: “He’s good friends with a couple of our west lads Tom Mahone and Callum Birdsall and I think they’d been at him to play.
“He’s fit as a fiddle as he’s been doing lots of marathon runs and various fitness events over the summer. I signed him last night and there are just papers to sign later today so he should make his debut if all goes well on Saturday at Easington Colliery.”
Smith’s farewell appearance was alongside Tinnion and Allison in the final game of last season when all three received emotional send-offs from the fans,
It proved a memorable game for Smith as he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over Guiseley.
