Barrow raiders sign Town's Liam Campbell and Haven's Gary Broadbent
Last updated 13:12, Friday, 03 October 2008
West Cumbria’s pro clubs have suffered a double blow with Barrow Raiders signing Whitehaven skipper Gary Broadbent and Workington Town playmaker Liam Campbell.
The Barrow-born pair, along with Hull-based centre Ian Bell, were unveiled by Raiders this morning as the second wave of new signings for the NL1 newcomers.
Barrow chairman Des Johnston, who has spent much of this week finalising the deals, said: “Gary Broadbent has had an illustrious career in the game.
“It is great news that the rugby league fans in his home town will be able to watch him in action.
“Workington have looked after Liam and it was a bit of a wrench for him to leave. But we offer him one thing they couldn’t – his mum’s home cooking.”
Broadbent opted to leave the Recre after failing to agree terms of a new contract.
“I’m 32 next month and it’s time for a change,” he said. “These things happen, and I wish the club all the best in the future.”
Meanwhile, Haven wasted no time last night in shoring up their last line of defence by re-signing his long-time understudy Craig Benson on a 12-month deal.
Chairman Gordon Grace said of the skipper’s decision to leave the club: “Contract talks broke down and we are obviously disappointed that Gary is going. He’s been a great servant to this club.
“However, we have an excellent full-back in young Craig Benson, and we will look forward to him taking over the No 1 shirt next season.”
Benson, 23, made four first-team appearances in 2007, all on the wing, covering for injuries. But he is known best as a full-back, and he produced some superb performances for the second-string this term.
Broadbent said: “Hopefully Craig Benson will get his chance. He’s been very patient and is champing at the bit.
“When he plays a few games, I’m sure the fans will get behind him and he’ll be there for the next five or six years. He’s been very patient in the reserves and deserves his chance.”
Town chairman Dave Bowden said he was “very frustrated” that the club did not see Campbell at his best, in a Town shirt, due to injuries.
“I don’t think any player could have been as well looked after at a club as Liam has,” he said. “But we must move on and focus on building a squad before the start of the new season.”
Campbell, 22, said he could not turn down the chance to move to his home-town club.
“The one thing I learned while I was injured last year, was that your career can be cut short at any time.
“I really enjoyed my time at Town and met some great people. The club’s been great to me. I am disappointed to have moved on but I have to think of my own career.
“I’d just like to thank the fantastic Town fans for all of their support over the last three years.”
Broadbent this year set a new Haven record of 85 consecutive appearances, breaking the old mark of 72 set by team-mate David Fatialofa a decade ago.
He was one of only three Haven ever-presents this term yet generously hailed prop Fatialofa’s old record as a greater achievement.
“His was a lot tougher than what I’ve done. I stand at the back out of the way. For a forward to play that many games is tremendous. In three or five years’ time, there will be a new record,” continued Broadbent, who also paid tribute to Haven’s loyal supporters.
“The fans have been absolutely superb, and this has been the best time of my career. I always knew they were crazy, but it’s not until you see them on the terraces that you know how passionate they are.
“Hopefully they’ll continue to support the lads and get the facilities they deserve.”
