By John Fuller

Last updated 12:03, Tuesday, 04 November 2008

Workington Reds captain Graham Anthony is staying at the club.

Graham Anthony

Cumbrian neighbours Penrith, who are backed by millionaire businessman Ges Ratcliffe, had put in seven days notice on the midfielder, but manager Darren Edmondson insists he is not going anywhere.

“It is great news,” he said.

“I had told Graham about the approach and he spoke to Penrith and he’s said that he’s decided to stay with us.

“I had kept in touch with Graham and spoken to him throughout the week. He knows that we are building a team here and he is a big part of that. He gets frustrated because we are not as high as he knows we can be but he’s set his stall out to the rest of the lads that we need to stick together.”

Anthony, 32, below, was made captain during the summer, taking over from Kyle May, and Edmondson says it has made him a better player. “Making Graham captain was an easy choice for me. He’s a great lad to have around the team.

“I know some of the fans look at him and get annoyed that he doesn’t put himself about or clatter into the opposition but he’s at his best when he has the ball at his feet.”

Edmondson admitted that the speculation around Anthony’s future has unsettled him but insists that he will come through it and get back to his best.

“It is always unsettling when people are talking about your future.

“It has happened to me during me career and your head does go elsewhere but I know that when I pick my team this weekend, Graham Anthony will be ready for the match.

“He is a good professional and he’s an honest lad and a team with Graham Anthony in it is better than one without him.”