Flying winger Jonathan Walsh has pledged to help Workington Town in their bid for League One promotion after signing on the dotted line for the club.

The former Barrow Island amateur has impressed coach Leon Pryce in pre-season training and the two friendlies against Whitehaven and Huddersfield Giants.

Walsh has slotted into the side well and says the team spirit is high in the Town camp and he didn’t hesitate when he was offered a deal.

“When I played in the derby game last week, it was a good feeling, listening to the crowd chanting and the team spirit we have flying around at the moment,” said Walsh.

“I thought I had a steady away game and was happy to be a part of it and it paid off for me by getting asked if I wanted a contract with Workington Town which I didn’t hesitate about taking.

“I aim to be consistent and run hard for the boys this year and be a reliable winger to help towards possible promotion.”

Walsh admitted it had been a tough pre-season but he is enjoying making the step up, although he also paid tribute to his former amateur side for helping them along the way.

“Pre-season has been tough but it has also been a pleasure to be a part of,” he added.

“The lads really get stuck in and the coaching staff know exactly what they are doing. The lads are all spot on and there is plenty of banter flying around which makes it a lot more comfortable for us trialists.”

Walsh explained that he was asked to go up to Town, after playing in the Cumbria versus BARLA fixture.

“It was the first game out of the three Cumbria games and I thoroughly enjoyed the Tri-Counties Championship, with a good set of lads,” he said.

“To top it off, I got asked by Les Ashe [Town director of rugby] to come up to Workington, pre-season. It was a shock at first but I was really glad to be asked.

“Barrow Island have been great to me and the crack up there is brilliant. I had a good two seasons with them last year and the year before, and I will keep going up on Saturdays when I’m available.”

Town director Craig Barker welcomed Walsh on board, adding: “Walshy has had a cracking pre-season. He has a really good attitude, has soaked all of the training in and wants to improve all the time.

“He had a great debut against Whitehaven and didn’t look out of place. We’re very pleased to sign such a promising player from the community game.

"Barrow Island do all the right things and produce some great players so thank you to them, as well. We look forward to seeing Jonathan improve and progress in the pro game.”