Striker Alex Salmon is targeting a flying start to the season when Workington Reds welcome Sutton Coldfield Town to Borough Park on Saturday.

Salmon, 21, who was a key member of the Reds squad that finished as runners-up in the Evo-Stik Premier Division last season, is aiming for a strong beginning to the 2015/2016 campaign.

The West Cumbrians face newly-promoted Sutton Coldfield Town at home in a 3pm kick-off.

Salmon, a former Carlisle United player, said: “We just want to make sure we get off to a winning start.

“Last year we started off poorly. This year, hopefully, we can get off to a flyer.”

Salmon believes the transition of losing player-manager Gavin Skelton in the summer has been a relatively smooth one.

Manager Derek Townsley and his assistants Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews were all involved with Reds last season.

Salmon said: “It’s been a good pre-season.

“There wasn’t much change even though Gavin has left. There have been no big changes in how things are being run.

“All the players respect them [the new management team], that’s the main thing to be honest.”

One of the major positives in the build-up to the new campaign has been the retention of the majority of last season’s players.

Salmon believes maintaining the team spirit that made Reds so successful last season is key.

“Last year I know that’s why we did so well, because we all got on,” he said.

“All the new lads have settled in straight away.”

Salmon also had plenty of positive things to say about Workington’s latest recruit, attacking midfielder Joe McGee.

Both players are based on Merseyside and have known each other for years.

Salmon said: “Joe is a good lad. I have known him for a few years. Joe rang me to say he was signing for the club. He knew he wanted to sign and he said it was an easy decision.”