Rourke: 'We need to find a way of replacing Bobby'

How do you sum up last season?
“We said at the start of the season that it was all about staying in the division.

"The club only survived previously because of Covid and the seasons being curtailed so we did what we set out to do.

"Jon Carl (Benson, manager) and I have run Sunday sides too so lads came to play for us and they did OK, but were very inexperienced at that level.

"There’s some real good sides in the league and I was shocked by the standard if I am honest.

"You don’t get a second on the ball. It was a big step up and we only had one player in his 30s.”

Best side you faced and best player?
“Fulwood were the best side we played. The lad in midfield with the blond hair was outstanding.

"Thornton were good too – they battered us 8-0 at their place and it didn’t flatter them at all.

"The lad up front, Dom Lawson, was a class apart and I hope he does well at Lancaster. The winger was tricky too.”

Players in and out
“We’ve lost our captain Mal Holliday who has decided to retire.
"And Bobby Carter has moved back home to Burnley – he ran mine and Jon Carl’s local pub in Workington and we got chatting over the bar, as you do, and got him to come play for us.

"But he’s decided to move home so we will need to find a way of replacing 15 goals a season which is no easy feat.

"We’ve a couple of lads who have come in, one who has played North West Counties, so we’re looking alright.”

Aims for the season
“We finished one place outside the bottom two so let’s say two places outside the bottom two! Ha!

“No, joking aside, this season we need to push on and it would be nice to not to have to look over our shoulders.”