Reds record official tribute to striker

The EVO-STIK NPL Premier Division club paid tribute to the former Barrow and Kendal striker, pictured, on Wednesday after the 29-year-old was told he would not feature in the first team plans of manager Derek Townsley for the foreseeable future.

Despite living with a serious health issue affecting his digestive system, Arnison established himself as the record scorer during the modern era at Borough Park, scoring 127 goals in in 346 appearances for the Reds, 81 of them as a substitute.

In a statement, the club said: "The management have been monitoring the situation for some time and it certainly isn’t a matter they have taken lightly. It was a difficult, delicate decision to make but necessary in view of the uncertainty regarding Arnison’s health issues – a type of Crohn`s disease.

"Through no fault of his own, the player has been unable to train for much of pre-season, hasn’t featured in any of the pre-season games and can give no guarantees when his fitness will attain a level to enable him to resume playing.

"A fit Gareth Arnison would command a place in any team in this league but the lack of clarity on the situation is frustrating to all concerned but, above all, a worry to the player and his family."

Arnison rejoined Workington ahead of the 2014-15 season following a spell at Barrow and scored 10 goals as they narrowly missed out on promotion and an immediate return to National League North following relegation. Last season he scored 16 goals in all competitions, his last strike coming in his final outing, a 4-1 win over Aspatria in the Cumberland Cup.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/