Caine Barnes is set to bolster the Workington Town pack for the next three years – after signing a new deal to keep him at Derwent Park.

Town coach Chris Thorman said strong running forward Barnes was one of the players he most wanted to keep in the Town squad.

And he said he was delighted to have secured his signature and was looking forward to see him play a big part in the club’s future.

Thorman said: “When it came to the retention of players, Caine was one of the players at the top of the list.

“I’m trying to create an identity for our club and something our great fans can buy into and get behind.

“Caine is a local lad that ticks a number of boxes for us – dedicated, talented and easy to coach are some of the things I like about him.

“He always gives me good buy-in regardless of the role I ask him to play. He also has his best years ahead of him and that’s why we offered him a three-year deal.

“I see Caine playing a significant part in our on- and off-field success.”

The re-signing of Barnes follows on from the news that Town have also kept hold of Gabe Fell on a new deal.

Thorman added: “Gabe is always one of the first names on our team sheet.

“He is smart defensively, is a great organiser in back field and has some really nice subtlety in attack.

“He understands his role in the team and knows exactly what I want from him.

“I can see Gabe growing into a leader in the team because he has such a great attitude towards his game and training.

“As one of our travelling players he contributes lots of positivity to our environment so I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”

And Fell said he was proud to wear the Town colours and that he was delighted to be staying at the club.

He said: “I’m really excited to be signing for Workington for the next two years.

“The club and coaches have some great plans for the next two years so this was a no-brainer.

“I can’t wait to meet up with the lads and continue where we left off from the beginning of the year.

“I’m proud to be a Workington Town player and can’t wait to get back on the field at Derwent Park and in front of our fans.”