» News Archive 5

10,000-seater stadium for the town?

The Club have called for a partnership with Allerdale Council and other sporting bodies in the town to make the dream of a new 10,000-seated stadium for the town a reality.

Vice-chairman Mike Cunningham said "It would be something to be proud of that could attract new sporting events. The opportunity is there to do it.

"There would have to be a partnership as we can't do it on our own. The council would have to be involved as would any other sporting organisations that felt they could have an input."

Town are prepared to move to a new site if the will to develop a new stadium is shown, but Mike Cunningham said that the redevelopment of Derwent Park might be an alternative.

The club recently received compensation for damage done to the ground by tunnelling work two years ago and hopes to secure a substantial amount for giving up the 140-year lease on their training pitch to allow supermarket giant Tesco to build a store on the site.

The architects who designed Sunderland's Stadium of Light, and are currently working on a new stadium for Newcastle Falcons RU, recently made a presentation the club's Board on the potential for a development.

Long time target returns to Town

Long time target Jamie Smith has returned to the club. The Barrow based player left Town to play Super League with Hull in 1998 and last season played for Barrow.

The 24 year-old is seen as the ideal player for the full-back position.

Vice-chairman, Mike Cunningham said "He's an out-and-out full-back and a good acquisition for the club.

"He left us when we were under administration but was one of those players we tried to keep because we saw his potential.

"He's only a young lad but has a fair amount of experience, with a good knowledge of the game and comes into the line well and is a good director of the game."

Rivals back Town's charity campaign

Barrow Border Raiders are backing Town's year-long campaign to raise cash for the Cumbria Palsy Society.

The teams will be leading a bucket collection when they meet on New Year's Eve. Barrow players may also help out on fundraising events throughout the year.

Town decided to support the county's cerebral palsy sufferers after hearing the story of five-year-old fan Robert Errington of Northside.

Cumbria has around 600 people with cerebral palsy, with the highest number of the living in West Cumbria.

Facilities in the county include a residential home and three professional support workers.

Town sign Stoddart

Town have signed 24 year-old Stephen Stoddart on a one-year deal after the player turned down an offer from Whitehaven.

Stoddart, who was the top points scorer in the Alliance league for Whitehaven can play anywhere along the back line.

As well as playing for Whitehaven and Carlisle the player has played rugby union for Aspatria for the past three years.

Gary Murdock said "I watched him playing against us last year for Whitehaven Alliance and he played us off the park. They finished second in the league and he was named their player of the year.

"He has added another strength to our squad of players. We now have 43 signed on and everybody is pushing for places in the first team and Stephen will add to the depth of our squad."

Club develop apprentice scheme

Town are looking to the future with a new apprentice scheme designed to produce and develop more home-grown players.

Coach Gary Murdock says his aim is to get half a dozen young lads, not just from the Workington and Whitehaven area, but the likes of Penrith and Keswick. The youngsters will get two years of full-time coaching and education, so by the time they get to 17,18,or 19 they will be available for first-team rugby.

The course will be sports-orientated so if they don't make it at rugby, they will have something to fall back on.

Adam Coulson, one of the club's young players will be on the scheme and the club are looking for half a dozen in total - the younger the better so that they can be educated in rugby techniques and good habits.

For details of Town's Modern Apprenticeship Scheme write to the club at Derwent Park enclosing a CV or telephone 01900 603609. Applications must be in by Thursday 14th December.