NEW SIGNING: Tom becomes a red

After appearing as a trialist in the matches against Carlisle City and Carlisle United last week, defender Tom Wilkinson has committed his immediate future to Workington and his name appeared on the team sheet for the first time at Penrith on Tuesday.

A late developer in the game, Tom has been with Preston North End for the past three seasons and appeared to be making good progress at Deepdale, playing many games at U19 and reserve team level.  The Blackpool based defender, 18, also featured in the FA Youth Cup for North End and scored his first goal at Deepdale in a tie v. Coventry City.

Tom created a favourable impression against City last week and enhanced his reputation even further with a superb performance against Charlie Wyke and Co at the weekend.

There was a scare for Tom in the narrow defeat at Frenchfield which saw him being substituted during the second half. He was involved in an accidental collision with a Penrith defender and was eventually taken off after being ‘winded’.  Thankfully, he gave an “I’m okay” thumbs-up after the game and we hope to see him in Saturday’s home friendly against Morecambe.

Tom’s a great signing for the club, he comes with an excellent pedigree and importantly is more than ready for the rigours of non-league. He’s strong, fast, technically excellent and makes excellent in-game decisions. I’ve no doubt he has the attributes to go back into the full-time game and hopefully we are a platform for him to do that.

Reds Manager Mark Fell on our new signing

I’m very happy to have signed for Workington as it is a great club that I can see myself succeeding at. Everybody here has been very welcoming and I look forward to the upcoming season to see what we can achieve together. COYR

Tom Wilkinson