NEW SIGNING: Norris Enticed out of Retirement

Workington AFC are delighted to announce that manager Mark Fell has persuaded veteran David Norris to join the Reds cause after announcing his retirement at the end of last season.

Fell has frequently spoke enthusiastically about Norris’ contribution at Lancaster City and, despite over two decades in the game, is convinced he can still be effective in Step 3 football:

“We’re crying out for a little bit of guile and experience in certain areas and situations at the moment. Someone with David’s pedigree is an asset to any dressing room.

His age is irrelevant; last season he was in the top 2 in terms of his data of physical outputs in every game, and often the hardest working. Less than 6 months ago he was scoring a hat trick against FC United.

He has absolutely nothing to prove but wants to be back in the football environment and enjoying the buzz of the game again. He’s got so much to add to us in so many different ways and I’m delighted he’s back out of semi-retirement for us.”

Norris began his career with Stamford United before coming to prominence with Boston United.  He was transferred from the Pilgrims to Bolton Wanderers in a £50k transaction but his first team opportunities were somewhat limited there.

A loan spell at Hull City followed before he moved to Devon, spending over five years with Plymouth Argyle and making more than 240 appearances for the Home Park club, once winning their Player of the Year.

Next stop was Suffolk and over a hundred games for Ipswich Town where he became club captain.

Spells with Portsmouth and Leeds United followed but, when many of his former colleagues had long since retired, the evergreen Norris continued to play into his forties with clubs like Peterborough United, Yeovil Town and Blackpool added to his CV.

More recently, he played over sixty games for Lancaster City appearing for the latter at Borough Park three years ago, before retiring at the end of last season.

On his swift return to football, Norris stated “I’ve spoken at length with the Gaffer, having worked with him for many years previously, and he told me how good the set up is at the club.

I’ve come in initially for the short term and I’m excited to join up with the lads.

Despite retiring at the end of last season, I’ve definitely still got the motivation and hunger to play, win games and score goals, so we will see if the body allows it!”

Norris’ signing is subject to league and FA approval.