Anthony gets the nod for Reds’ captaincy
Last updated 12:54, Friday, 11 July 2008
Midfielder Graham Anthony will retain the captain’s armband at Workington Reds next season – as the responsibility helps make him a better player.
Anthony took over as skipper after Kyle May asked boss Darren Edmondson to relieve him of the job in February as he felt his form was suffering.
But Edmondson reckons Anthony, who skippered Barrow before joining Reds, has flourished in the role.
“It has brought his game on slightly,” said the manager. “It’s given him more responsibility and he’s had to lead by example.
“He’s able to provide good leadership at this level. The lads on our team will look to him for his ability and the goals he gets for us.”
May felt his form improved after giving up the captaincy, as the job had been weighing him down, and he picked up fewer yellow cards for dissent near the end of the campaign.
Edmondson reckons his squad won’t struggle for fitness in tomorrow’s opening pre-season friendly against Gretna at Borough Park.
“They are all flying, I’m really impressed,” he added. “For part-time football it’s excellent.
“Michael Reed and David Hewson had big injuries last year, and in our runs in training they’ve been right up there at the front, which is a plus.”
Reds travel to face Northern League newcomers Whitehaven Amateurs on Tuesday night and the following weekend take part in the Annan tournament.
They follow up against Penrith and Barrow and open their league account at Hinckley on August 9.
Lancaster-based former Northern Ireland Under-21 international Ryan Zico Black looks unlikely to be joining Reds after failing to take up an invitation to train with the squad.
“He’s capable of playing at this level,” said Edmondson who had been keen to take a look at Black.
