Last updated at 19:43, Thursday, 12 July 2012

Workington Reds will not be held to ransom by players demanding “silly money”, says boss Darren Edmondson.

Admitting he doesn’t have the financial clout behind him to challenge other clubs for signatures, Edmondson said he was prepared to be patient to make sure he had the perfect squad for next season.

Being forced to play cat and mouse by players and agents trying to squeeze more money into deals, the 40-year-old said he would love to add more experience to his squad.

He added: “The kind of experienced players we’d like to bring in are commanding a much higher wage than we can pay at this time.

“They are asking for huge money. It’s silly.

“We’re speaking to players all the time but I’m having to ignore some phone calls as I don’t have the kind of money they want.

“The longer pre-season goes on, the more desperate players become to find a new club, and then we might be able to bring experienced players into the squad.

“Wage demands drop the closer it gets to kick-off, and we will have to be patient.

“Until then, the young lads have come in and coped with everything we have asked from them.”

Eight trialists played as Workington lost 3-0 in their opening pre-season fixture with Barrow – see page 21 for match report.

Most impressive was striker Callum Hassan, the 6ft 4in target man released by Hartlepool.

Edmondson described the 19-year-old, who has previously worked with Tony Elliott at Whitby, as a rough diamond.

He said: “Callum could be a big acquisition for us in more ways than one. He is a player I have talked about for 12 months, and someone who has impressed me.

“He is not the finished article, but is a player that could prove to be a quality signing.”

Young hotshot Ryan Hall, a 17-year-old striker, also impressed. Hall spent time with Workington last season and will sign a contract at Borough Park.

Edmondson said: “Ryan has a great future ahead of him, and is a player I believe can make an impact in the coming years.

“He’s a real prospect, and someone I’m excited to keep working with.”

Fellow youngsters Niall Cowperthwaite, the son of Barrow legend Colin, and Chris Wraighte were also chosen for praise.

l Tomorrow, Workington travel to Whitehaven to contest the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy (2pm ko).

It is the first time Stuart Green, who quit Reds for Amateurs, will come up against his former club.

First published at 19:25, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk