New face at Derwent Park

Last updated 19:49, Thursday, 09 October 2008

WORKINGTON Town have been busy in the transfer market this week, adding another two hot prospects to their ranks.

WARM WELCOME: Town coach Les Smallwood with new signing Craig Hodgson at Derwent Park yesterday

Widnes Vikings scrum-half Steve Roper and Whitehaven second-row Craig Hodgson have both made the move to Derwent Park.

Local lad Hodgson, who signed yesterday, was in Haven’s reserve academy last year and started his career at Distington.

“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch and show the lads what I can do,” said the 22-year-old.

“My main aim is to force my way into the first team and really show people what I can do.

“I only played for the reserve team at Haven and I need to put that right now. It won’t be easy to get into the first team because Town are building a good squad here and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Coach Les Smallwood said Hodgson would bring a good mental attitude with him, and added: “He is a big, athletic lad and he is still young.

“He has the right attitude for the game and will be a great addition to the squad.”

Roper, 21, who appeared 13 times for National League One Widnes last season, penned a one-year deal with the NL2 outfit last night.

The former England schoolboy signed for Vikings from Warrington Wolves, whom he joined in 2005, having turned professional with Wigan in 2003.

Town coach Dave Rotheram, who coached Roper in the England Schoolboys Under-15 side, said: “Steve comes very highly recommended and is the type of young player we are starting to attract to Workington.

“He’s young and enthusiastic and, more importantly, comes from a professional background, having joined the Wigan Academy at the age of 16.

“Steve’s an exciting signing and, although I didn’t set out to do it at the time, 11 of the 22 players we have on the books now are 22 years old or younger.”

The pair are Rotheram’s sixth and seventh closed-season signings but are much needed following the exits of influential trio Carl Forber, Liam Campbell and Shaun Lunt.

Smallwood said: “We lost some great players for us but we are now looking to the future. We have made some good signings so far and I’m sure we will be a fighting force next season.”

Chairman Dave Bowden is flying to Australia next week for the rugby league World Cup. He will be joining Rotheram, who is assisting coach Steve McCormack with the Scotland squad.

Rotheram will be using his trip to scout out new talent.

He said: “I’m looking for a prop, and a stand-off would be nice, but it has got to fit in with us.

“We have two quota places available, and Andrew Beattie has taken one of those. We must use the other one wisely.”

l Town Flyer: Monday, Steve Calvin, Myers & Bowman, A6535; Tuesday, Mrs J Foster, Moorclose, A6363; Wednesday, David Pattinson, Gt Broughton, D2709; yesterday, H J Magean, Netherton, A4414; today, Mr Taylor, Stainburn, B2964.