Workington Reds trio join Penrith AFC on dual registration

Reds boss Danny Grainger has sent Connor Hammell, Lewis Moore and Matty Bell to Penrith to get first-team football.

He hopes the spell under Darren Edmondson in Northern League Division One will boost their chances of pushing through at Workington.

Keelan Leslie, meanwhile, has departed Grainger’s squad.

On the trio heading to Penrith, manager Grainger said: “They are three lads who I feel have a future with the club, but they need to be playing first-team football.

“It’s a relationship we want to keep building with Penrith, as well as with other clubs in the area.

“It’s for their development – the fact they will go and play first-team football at a decent level and can then come back and try and work their way into the first team.

“It’s pointless them just sitting on the bench and not playing on a Saturday. For them to progress they have to be playing first team football.

“It’s men’s football at a good level. It’s very similar to a loan move for contracted players.

“Right now I don’t see them in the starting XI, but they need to be playing and ready for when the chance comes along.

Reds boss Danny Grainger (Image: Ben Challis)

“It’s an ongoing thing – if I was to need them next Saturday I’d phone Edmo. If they’re not with us they’re getting game time with a good club in Penrith at a good level.”

Penrith take on West Allotment Celtic away from home on Saturday, with Reds not in action in Northern Premier League Premier Division this weekend.

Former Carlisle United duo Hammell and Bell joined Reds last summer while teenager Moore has come through Workington’s youth ranks.

Ex-Carlisle player Leslie, meanwhile, is moving on.

Grainger said the versatile player had also been offered a dual registration option but he had decided against it.

“I can’t thank Keelan enough for his commitment during his time at the club and I wish him all the best for the future,” added Grainger.