Midfielder Niall Cowperthwaite will be a welcome addition to the new-look Workington Reds squad this season after agreeing a deal this week.

This will be Cowperthwaite's second spell with the Borough Park side, after impressing on trial.

The south Cumbrian has been out of the game for the best part of two years following an ACL injury but is now ready to be back in the thick of the action.

Reds joint manager Dave Hewson was delighted to secure the former Workington Young Player of the Year's services.

And he thanked the supporters’ driven ‘war chest’ scheme for helping secure his signature.

"It’s another massive signing for the club,” said Hewson.

"Niall is a player I have sought and admired for some time and someone I hold in high regard.

"He has proven quality and the ability to play at a higher level so the fact we have been able to secure his services for the season is a huge boost.

"He is versatile and exactly the type of character we need to bring into our squad.

"Lee [Andrews] and I are looking forward to seeing him get back to his best with us after an unfortunate two-year absence through injury."

The midfielder has signed on a non-contract basis and is looking forward to adding to the 43 appearances he made in his first spell with the club between 2012-13, which culminated in being named Young Player of the Year.

The war chest, brainchild of lifelong Reds fan, Brian White, has supplemented the playing budget for the coming season and, apart from Cowperthwaite, was also instrumental in recruiting the services of Jason Walker.

“I’m delighted to see Niall back at our club and fully expect him to enhance our talented squad," said White.

"I feel Dabba and Lee are getting great value for money for those supporters who contributed to the war chest."

Reds are back in action on Saturday when they welcome Consett to Borough Park as their pre-season campaign continues, kick-off 3pm.

Then, on Sunday, they will hold their annual open day when the new playing kits for the 2017-18 season will be unveiled.