By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:14, Thursday, 05 June 2008

Striker Matthew Berkeley is ready to turn his back on interest from rival Blue Square North outfits to re-commit to Workington Reds.

Reds’ Matty Berkeley

There had been speculation that out-of-contract Berkeley might move on, but he revealed he is prepared to remain loyal to Darren Edmondson’s team.

“There has been other interest, but I couldn’t say if there’s anything definite. I would be happy to stay at Workington, but I’ve obviously got to see what their plans are, and what the manager intends to do,” Berkeley said.

Reds finished 14th last season, and Berkeley acknowledged that his own form dipped at times.

“It started really well for us, but towards the end, the team as a whole didn’t do as well as it could have,” he added.

“We need to strengthen in a few areas, but I leave those decisions to the manager.”

The St Kitts & Nevis international revealed that travelling to West Cumbria from his Manchester home had not proved a problem in his second spell at Borough Park.

“Darren’s been good with it,” he added. “He gives me extra days off sometimes and understands I have to travel a lot. It works out well.”

Berkeley impressed Bury during Reds’ FA Cup tie at Gigg Lane last term, though the club did not follow up their initial interest after being asked to make an offer.

“Their manager was sacked later in the season, and when that happened it just fizzled out,” the striker said.

Reds launch pre-season training three weeks tomorrow and have accepted an invitation to play in the two-day Annan Athletic tournament, which also involves the host club, Stranraer and Morton.