By Martin Morgan

Last updated 12:14, Thursday, 26 June 2008

Workington Reds have slammed reports that the club is a takeover target for mystery investors.

Widespread rumours circulating among Reds fans claim the club is being lined up by potential investors.

But director Alec Graham said: “All I can say is that it’s news to me, the chairman and the rest of us.

“There isn’t a takeover. You wonder where these things come from.”

Reds launch pre-season training tonight and Graham declared it was “all systems go” for the new campaign.

“We are playing a decent level of football and the club doesn’t owe any money,” he added.

Ex-Reds chairman Dale Brotherton, who owns around 40 per cent of shares in the club, had heard the rumour and said he was “bemused” by it.

“There’s no foundation to it,” he added. “No one has come to me about this. It would be very difficult to buy the club without the approval of the board and the major shareholder.”

Reds will start their pre-season regime tonight with the first of a handful of sessions designed by boss Darren Edmondson’s old fitness coach at York City.

“Everyone starts with a clean sheet, and it’s up to them to claim a place in our 18 or 19-man squad.”