Workington Reds boss Darren Edmondson will go into the opening league game tomorrow with some absentees in his squad.
A wedding, a booked holiday and a suspension means that Reds won’t be at full strength for the first NPL Premier Division game at home to Whitby Town.
There’s also the prospect of a fourth player being sidelined because of international clearance not being received.
As with the modern trend Edmondson is not saying too much on who will be absent and giving little information that might help the opposition prepare.
He is concentrating on the qualities that have emerged from the squad he has put together after his return to Borough Park.
He said: “I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen in the pre-season build-up.
“There’s a good spirit already about the group of players we have. We have been working hard on fitness and most of the players have had plenty of minutes on the pitch.
“The games have gone well and although results are not so important in friendlies it’s been nice to finish in front in four of them.”
Two key senior players in the squad will be Steven Rigg and Dav Symington, both of whom were rested in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Carlisle United but will be back tomorrow.
Rigg, the top scorer last season who cleaned up at the club’s awards night, is hoping for another successful campaign.
Skipper Symington, scorer of some spectacular goals and who doesn’t do tap-ins, seems refreshed since the arrival of Edmondson and will be another expected to lead from the front.
Whitby have an experienced squad, which includes ex-Reds forward Matty Tymon and should be a strong test for the Reds.
Jack Dickinson has received international clearance to play tomorrow. He was signed from Gretna hence the cross border clearance was required.
