Workington Reds boss Dave Hewson says his squad is unique to the Evo Stik Northern Premier League after they retained the majority of last season’s players.

They have just one new addition in Jamie Mellen, and with a good pre-season behind them, he says the lads are ready to get into league action tomorrow at home to Halesowen Town.

“I’m happy with how the squad is shaping up and pleased with how the preparations have gone,” he added.

“In the pre-season on the whole we have managed to avoid any serious injuries, there have been a few knocks, niggles, but nothing too major so hopefully we will have the majority of the squad available for selection.

“I think the squad on the whole has been a close-knit bunch for a number of years.

“We have added a few new faces over the past couple of years, bringing Dan Wordsworth back in last year, Sam Joel, Jack Ryan and then Jamie Mellen this season.

“But, on the whole, we have a pretty consistent squad over the last few seasons and they have proved their worth with the team’s success over the last three years.

“We are just looking forward to starting again.

“Hopefully we will get a big crowd down to get behind the lads. It is nice to start at home before we have a couple of tough away games.”

Hewson and co-manager Lee Andrews believe their close-knit side can now push for the play-offs again this season.

“We are always realistic at the start of each season,” said Hewson.

“But we have been competing with the big boys for a number of years now. For the squad and players to get to the play-offs for the last three years running is a magnificent achievement and we all want to repeat that.

“We strive to be the best we can be and push on to improve from the season before.

“As long as we are competitive and in the right half of the table, that has to be our aim.”

Looking ahead to the league battle, Hewson believes some familiar faces could be back challenging again this term.

But he admitted until the season begins it will be difficult to tell where the real threats lie because of personnel changes at clubs.

He said: “It is difficult to tell where the danger lies next season as there have been so many ins and outs at clubs.

“We are a bit of an anomaly in this league that we have kept hold of our squad, which was always important to us.

“You have teams coming down like Altrincham and Stalybridge, then there is Stourbridge from last season, along with Whitby, Nantwich and Buxton.

“Then there are Shaw Lane and Witton Albion who have come up so there will be tough games all year.

“Then there is always a shock team that surprises everyone.”