Slim-line Mark Boyd targeting big season with Workington Reds

Last updated at 13:26, Friday, 20 July 2012

After shedding 21 pounds, Mark Boyd hopes his new light-weight figure will lead to improved performances for Workington Reds.

Mark Boyd

The midfielder has stuck to a rigorous diet and fitness programme and has returned to training looking leaner and meaner.

Boyd said turning 30 was the catalyst for his new regime, and said: “It’s no secret that I needed to lose a few pounds.”

Before starting the programme six weeks ago, Boyd weighed 14 stone five pounds, but now weighs just 12st 12lbs, and is aiming to lose another 6lbs.

He added: “I’m at a stage of my career where I need to look after myself better or risk being left behind by the younger lads.

“I have had weight issues throughout my career, but I want to play a major role for Workington this year.

“For the last five weeks I have stuck to the diet and really tried to look after myself.

“I’m happy with how it’s gone, but there is still work to do.

“I still want to lose another few pounds to hit my target weight.”

Boyd’s performances in a red shirt improved as last year went on, and he is determined to hit the ground running by the time Stalybridge travel to West Cumbria on August 18.

He said: “By the end of last year I didn’t want the season to end.

“I was getting better and felt I was contributing more to games.

“This year I feel great. I feel 100 per cent ready for the season and I want to make a big difference to the team.

“I have a goal target in mind and I know how many assists I want to make.”

Boyd admitted being impressed with some of the trialists boss Darren Edmondson has brought in with defender Niall Cowperthwaite standin gout.

Workington’s pre-season continues with the visit of Scottish side Queen of the South tomorrow – another chance for the trialists to prove they deserve a deal at Borough Park.

The match will see Reds players wearing specially-made shirts, which will be sold after the game with proceeds being donated to the Great North Air Ambulance's Pride of Cumbria aircraft.

Boyd said: “There is still a long time until the season kicks off, and we are working hard to make sure we have a competitive side.

“We aren’t getting carried away like last year. There is a sense of realism, but there is no reason why Workington can’t be contenders this year.

“It’s a tough start to the season with Stalybridge, Chester, Halifax and Guiseley starting things, but this could be a good time to get those games out of the way.

“I’m not saying Workington will win the league – there is a lot of work to do – but we are a strong unit who plays for each other.”