Winger Russ Bolton has checked into Workington Town – after being handed a permanent deal.

The former Askam amateur was on trialist forms with the club but has impressed coach Chris Thorman so much that he snapped him up this week.

Bolton is delighted to get his chance to prove himself in League 1 and is hoping that Town can continue on their winning ways.

“I saw this as a good step up from the National Conference League and the county series I’d been playing in over the last few years,” said Bolton.

“I’ve been playing in open age for 11 years now so wanted to test myself in League 1.

“My trial has been really good, and I enjoyed my debut in a tight game against Hunslet. Playing against Leigh away was a brilliant experience, going against a full time team.

“And the last game of my trial, going away to West Wales on an overnight stay was a good opportunity to get to know the lads.

“They have all been spot on, very welcoming and always there to give you a few tips or pointers to help along the way.

“I am definitely looking forward to playing the rest of the season with the squad. We’ve had two wins in the league while I’ve been on trial so hopeful there are many more to come.”

And coach Thorman was delighted to sign him, adding: “I’m really pleased to have Russ on board.

“I’ve stressed how important it is to have as many Cumbrian based players as possible in the squad and Russ is exactly that.

“He has shown great attitude since his arrival at the club and has already started to develop into an assured League 1 winger. If he shows the same commitment as he has so far, he is only going to get better.” He’s a great young man to boot and I enjoy working with him.

Town head back to Borough Park this Sunday for the first time in over 30 years as they welcome Coventry Bears, ko 3pm.

Thorman is hoping to build on their defensive effort against West Wales last weekend. He said: “I was relatively pleased with the performance.

“The good thing for me is the lads are starting to do the things we practice in training regularly.

“I have been a bit critical of our half-backs in training and games, not being patient enough to stick to the game plan but I thought Carl Forber and Jamie Doran were good on Sunday, in terms of their game management and how we attacked.

“But the most pleasing thing for me was our defence. We will have a couple of good training sessions this week and hopefully we will continue to show improvement on Sunday.”