Long-serving Workington Reds defender set to retire

Workington Reds have been rocked by the bombshell news that long-serving defender Dan Wordsworth is to retire after this weekend's game.

The popular centre-half has been playing through the pain barrier for some time now and manager Danny Grainger has had to use him sparingly.

It was expected to be the 33-year-old's farewell season but the announcement of the former Carlisle United youth player's immediate retirement has come as a shock.

Wordsworth will play his final game on Saturday afternoon at Borough Park against Gainsborough Trinity.

A Workington club statement said: “Dan has been playing through the pain barrier for some time and when your body is telling you one thing and you are trying to do another, there is usually only one outcome.

“The long-serving defender, now in his 12th season, is in agony before, during and after a game and it takes days to recover from the 90 minutes of battle on a match-day.

Wordsworth came through Carlisle United's youth team and, after a brief spell at Kendal, joined Workington in 2011, remaining at the club ever since other than a gap year (Image: Stewart Blair)

“It is to his credit as the ultimate professional that supporters haven’t noticed any difference in his performances.

"He has been as consistent as ever, his levels haven’t dipped and many would argue he is playing as well as at any time in his distinguished career.”

Manager Danny Grainger is still coming to terms with the shock news and said: “Goose is a manager’s dream – never complains, never moans and absolutely hates to lose in whatever you ask him to do. He will leave a huge void on and off the pitch.

“Unfortunately football doesn’t stand still and wait for us to find the next Dan Wordsworth and what he brings to us is going to be difficult to replicate. It will b almost impossible to fill the void.

“He has put his body through so much pain, particularly this season, and I can’t thank him enough for his unstinting efforts for the team.

“Dan has been an unbelievable servant to the club and I’m sure I speak on behalf of my predecessors and former players when I say thank you for everything. Good luck Goose!”

Wordsworth, who started his career with the youth section at Carlisle and also spent time on loan at Kendal, will lead out the Reds against Gainsborough on Saturday in what is sure to be an emotional moment.