Reed determined not to repeat injury nightmare
Last updated 11:39, Friday, 27 June 2008
WORKINGTON Reds striker Michael Reed has put in plenty of leg work over the summer to ensure he suffers no repeat of last season’s injury nightmare.
Reed slotted 11 goals last term, including nine in Blue Square North, despite suffering a couple of extended spells on the sidelines with ankle problems.
“He maybe came back from those injuries a little too soon, which is a bit unfortunate,” said boss Darren Edmondson.
“But at least it proved there was a weakness in the ankle, and with such a small squad we can’t afford to lose him again.
“Michael’s being done leg work to help strengthen it, and now there’s time for it to settle down, to ensure the ankle’s strong and ready for the new season.
“He scored a lot of goals at the start of last season, and had a good relationship with Jonny Wright. We want to get that going again.”
Some 15 players contributed to the goal tally of 71 for Reds last season with supporters’ player-of-the-year Wright top-scorer with 14, including 11 in the league. The now departed Matthew Berkeley hit 11, with six of those in the league.
Reds’ reserves new boss Herbert Briggs was presented with the Lancashire League West Division championship trophy at this week’s AGM at Leyland.
Reds will again compete in the West Division next term with two new clubs, Chorley and Clitheroe, taking part and Kendal Town departing. The season kicks off on August 16.
Other rivals this season will be Bamber Bridge, Barrow, Burscough, Darwen, Fleetwood Town, Formby, Lancaster City, Leigh RMI and Salford City.
New reserve-team coach Adam Johnson, a sports lecturer at Newton Rigg, has been out of playing action for almost a year due to injury and will undergo surgery next month in Oswestry.
