Workington Reds are hoping for a bumper crowd on Saturday when they welcome former skipper Tony Hopper back to Borough Park.

The ex-Reds and Carlisle United midfielder and his family will be guests of honour at Reds’ Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clash with Stourbridge (kick-off 3pm).

It comes after Hopper, 40, was diagnosed with Bulbar-onset Motor Neurone Disease.

Reds are keen to play their part in supporting their inspirational former player, and help to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Reds interim joint chairman John Mackay hopes that a number of supporters and Hopper’s former Workington team-mates will come along on the day and support him.

“We would encourage all Reds fans and his former team-mates to come down and show your support for Tony by just being there,” said Mackay.

“We know that all the support he has been given is overwhelming and we want to play our part.

“We held a bucket collection at the match against Skelmersdale which raised £475 and we will be having another on Saturday.”

Tony and his family have been invited to the match and will have a meal in the Shankly Lounge before the game.

He will then walk down the tunnel and acknowledge the Borough Park crowd before kick-off.

The Hoppers have set a target of raising £10,000 for MNDA.