The bookmakers fancy Workington Reds to reach the play-offs again this coming season – but not to gain automatic promotion.

Alongside Ashton United, priced at 8/1, the Cumbrians are joint-third favourites with BetFred to win the League.

Ashton have just signed eleven players, including Tunji Moses from Salford and Liam Brownhill from FC United of Manchester. They lost to Salford last season in the play-off semi-final.

Surprise favourites with the bookies to lift the crown are Hednesford (5/1) who were relegated from Conference North last season.

Blyth Spartans, beaten by Reds in an exciting play-off semi-final, are second favourites to win the championship at 6/1.

If BetFred have it right then Corby and Stourbridge, both priced at 10/1, would be the other sides in contention for the final play-off place.

Frickley, the team who came with a late rattle last season and just missed the play-offs, could be a good bet at 20/1.

Reds fans will have an early chance to assess their potential as they visit Borough Park on Tuesday, August 16 – the first home game of the season.

Reds open the campaign on Saturday, August 13 at Rushall Olympic and the Walsall side has been quoted at 25/1 to win the League.

Other prices: Warrington Town and Stafford Rangers (both 14/1); Spennymoor and Barwell (16/1); Nantwich (20/1); Ilkeston (28/1); Buxton, Skelmersdale and Coalville (all 33/1); Marine, Halesowen and Sutton Coldfield (all 40/1); Grantham (50/1); Whitby and Matlock (66/1) and finally Mickleover Sports (80/1).

Reds continue their pre-season build-up tomorrow when they play at Lancaster’s Giant Axe.