Last updated 12:34, Wednesday, 18 June 2008

A couple of Workington Reds’ top youngsters could turn out for their old boss Stuart Rome at the proposed new Gretna outfit, predicts manager Darren Edmondson.

Rome has stepped down from his role as Reds’ reserve-team manager to take charge of the new club and is expected to take some of his Workington products with him, though Edmondson believes they could still remain tied to Borough Park.

He reckons Dan Carmichael and David Seggie may want to play for Rome at Gretna.

But he stressed: “It doesn’t mean we will lose them. We want to keep links with them.

“Stuart will need to find players right away, and as a new manager he will take players he knows. It’s about filling fixtures for him at this stage.

“He’s been to all the supporters’ club meetings over there and is quite honoured to take the job.

“Hopefully it will work out and he’ll still be involved in our youth set-up.”

Reds’ reserves won the Lancashire League title and reached the Lancashire League Cup final under Rome last season.

Potential replacements have already been in touch with chairman Humphrey Dobie.

“It leaves a void,” Edmondson added. “We haven’t got anyone in mind for the job at the moment. Further down the line, we’ll make a decision.”

Edmondson is waiting to discover if Queen of the South and Morton will face Reds in pre-season friendlies, and Penrith, Kendal and Durham City have enquired about their availability.

Reds face a wait before learning who will be first up in Blue Square North next season, as the fixture list will not be released until Friday, July 4.