SAM Dowsett is excited by the direction Whitehaven are heading in after being given the opportunity to make a return to the professional game by their new head coach Gary Charlton.

The goal-kicking Askam hooker had a short spell playing under Villagers’ boss Dave Clark at Workington Town in 2017, only for work commitments to see him return to the amateur fold.

But after continuing his impressive form on his return to Fallowfield Park in National Conference League Division Two, Dowsett has earned another chance at professional level and is looking forward to being part of Haven’s squad for the 2019 Betfred League One season.

“The direction in which Whitehaven are heading will make it an exciting year for the club and I can’t wait to be part of it,” said Dowsett

“I would like to thank the coaches and team-mates at Askam ARLFC for this past season, getting me back into it after a difficult spell at Workington.

“I’d also like to thank Whitehaven for giving me the opportunity to test myself again at a professional level.

“I can’t wait to get going in pre-season, preparing ready for the start of the year.”

Haven assistant coach Jonty Gorley, who coached Dowsett at Workington during his time there as part of Clark’s backroom team, is in no doubt the former Cumbria and BARLA Lions Under-19s representative has what it takes to make it at this level.

“He’s the type of player every coach wants in his squad,” said Gorley. “His willingness to learn how to be a good nine is very encouraging.

“Saying that, he is already at a standard where he can hold his own.”