Workington Reds defender Jake Simpson says the team is determined to go one better next season and secure promotion to the National North.

The 24-year-old right-back is feeling sharp after featuring in all seven of Workington’s pre-season games so far.

Simpson was a key player last season as an impressive Reds came agonisingly close to securing promotion under Gavin Skelton.

Brampton-based Simpson has been impressed with what he has seen so far under the new management team of Derek Townsley, Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews.

He said: “Pre-season has been good. I am chuffed that there has been plenty of games to get stuck into.

“We play 50-60 games in a season, when you include cup matches. You have got to be fit and ready. The only way to do that is by getting match fit.

“Degsy [Townsley], Bones [Andrews] and Dabba [Hewson] have organised a lot of friendlies. Hopefully come Christmas and towards the end of the season we will feel the benefits. We had a good season last year. We are aiming to get to the top of the league. We have got the bit between our teeth to go one better from last season.”

Workington have retained the vast majority of players from last season’s squad and have added goalkeeper Alex Mitchell, midfielder James Earl and winger Rob McCartney in pre-season.

Simpson believes the Cumbrian theme running through the team will again prove beneficial for the coming campaign.

“We have got a local squad,” he said. “The new signings are local Carlisle lads.

“It’s good having competition in the squad, that was a vital part of last season. There wasn’t anyone whose position was safe.”

Simpson and Workington Reds will continue their pre-season preparations tonight when they travel to face Evo-Stik Division One North side Kendal Town FC for a pre-season friendly (7.45pm ko).