Last updated at 19:55, Thursday, 11 August 2011

Workington Reds’ star names have been warned they face the axe if the fail to shine this season.

Boss Darren Edmondson insists no-one is guaranteed to start after a host of new recruits stood out during pre-season.

The 39-year-old is intent on finishing in the play-offs this term after bolstering his squad with six signings.

Stuart Green, Mark Boyd, Dan Dillon, Jake Simpson, Dan Wordsworth and Simon Tucker have all joined the ranks, ready to battle for a starting jersey tomorrow.

Edmondson said: “I don’t want anyone to feel safe. Every position is up for grabs and it’s imperative that when given the chance, players take it because we have strength in depth to change things now.

“Our squad is considerably stronger than last year and a lot of planning has gone into targeting and signing the lads we have signed.

“We needed more guile and in Stuart, Dan [Dillon], Jake and Mark we have that.

“I’m excited about what I have seen in them.

“This is definitely a squad that can challenge the top six this season. That has to be our aim.

“Spirit is high in the camp. There is a buzz in the dressing room. The players know the quality in our team and believe they can be right up there.

“The new lads have come in and there attitude has been excellent. Some have played at a higher level and that experience can only benefit what we have here.”

Title favourites Boston are first up at Borough Park tomorrow with Reds being without captain David Hewson, who is three weeks away from playing.

Hewson injured his ribs in the friendly against Gateshead and did further damage playing Hartlepool.

Despite sitting on the sidelines, he’s feeling good about the season ahead.

“Our aim has to be the play-offs,” he said.

“The squad looks great. I’ve been impressed with the level of talent on show and know we can challenge.

“I’m disappointed to miss out but I need time to heal my ribs.

“I’m still weeks away from a first team return but I’ll make sure I’m back with a bang.”

Workington have a tough start to the campaign with Altrincham, Halifax, Stalybridge and Droylsden all before the end of next month.

Edmondson said: “I’m happy with how it’s panned out. By September we will have played a few of the fancied teams and if we’re still up there then we’re in with a chance.

“I know it’s a cliche but there are no easy games in this league. Gone have the days when you were guaranteed to beat the likes of Vauxhall.

“It’s tougher now because more quality players are being forced out of the professional game and finding deals at our level.

“The standard of football is improving all the time and to be successful you must have a cohesive squad and that’s what we have.”

New recruit Wordsworth is also missing through suspension, while Kyle May is struggling for fitness after suffering back spasms.

Simpson is in with a chance of starting on the flank following two stunning strikes during the off-season.

The son of former Manchester City winger Paul Simpson, who managed Carlisle United to back-to-back promotions between 2004 and 2006, is planning an assault on the league if picked.

In fact it was Simpson senior who manufactured the move to Workington after calling Edmondson.

The 20-year-old, who played more than 20 games in League Two last year, said: “I’m excited about helping Workington. The squad is strong and competition for places is good.

“I’ve scored twice in pre-season and hope to continue that into the new season. My game is all about speed and making sure the strikers get the service they need to put away chances.”

First published at 19:22, Thursday, 11 August 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk