Whitehaven have added another local player to their squad as they continue to prepare for the 2017 season.

Shane Pattinson has re-signed for the Recreation Ground side after impressing new coach Carl Forster in pre-season training.

A utility player, who left the club to return to the amateur ranks with Ellenborough, Pattinson is excited about the chance of re-activating his pro career.

“The buzz at the club at the moment is electric and I have never known anything quite as exciting," he said.

"I just can’t wait to push my claims for a first-team place."

Forster said: "Shane's enthusiasm is similar to most of the players at the moment. They all just want the season to start as soon as possible.

“They are all proving to be a great bunch of lads and I am in the same boat with them as a player.

"We all want to get out on the pitch and give the fans our all."

Forster has admitted to being delighted at the fitness levels of the Whitehaven squad as they tackle the pre-season training.

“It’s been hard but they are in good shape and are handling it very well," said the Whitehaven coach.

"I do think that we will have a very fit squad of players ready to tackle the League programme when we start in March.

“The fact that we have four friendlies as well in the build-up to the competitive season couldn’t be better and they will give us an indication of where we are."

All friendlies against Keighley (January 15), Barrow (January 22), Newcastle Thunder (January 28) and Workington Town (February 5) are being played away from home.

Forster said: “The four games will give all the players opportunities for enough game time to see how they are going."