Last updated at 12:04, Saturday, 18 August 2012

Captain David Hewson has vowed Workington Reds players will put off-field issues to one side in pursuit of victory today.

David Hewson

The Popular Side stand and surrounding terraces will be closed for the visit of Stalybridge Celtic following a damning inspection by council chiefs.

But Hewson, who will be involved despite a knee injury, said he was more concerned with on-field matters.

“What has happened with the stand is obviously disappointing for the club but the players’ minds are focused on the match,” he said.

“What goes on at boardroom level does not concern the players because we have a job to do on the pitch.

“It will be weird not seeing fans sat and stood on the Popular Side but it doesn’t change anything from out point of view.

“We are determined to start the season well and that means beating Stalybridge, but that’s not going to be easy.”

Hewson saw a sports injuries specialist this week and will need a scan on his injured right knee.

It will take between eight and 10 weeks to get the midfielder booked in, so until the extent of the injury is known, the skipper is available to play.

He said: “I just want to play football. “I know I might need surgery, or some time off recovering, but right now I am fit and raring to go.”

“The start of a new season is always exciting, and we go into the campaign with belief that this year will be better than the last.”

Workington escaped relegation on the final day of last season, and Hewson said the signings boss Darren Edmondson has made can help them avoid another scrap.

Niall Cowperthwaite and Chris Wraighte will make their league debuts with Jordan Connerton starting his first game since joining permanently from League One side Crewe.

First published at 10:56, Saturday, 18 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk