The long wait is finally over for Workington Reds fans.

The West Cumbrians, who got the whole town buzzing last season with their slick, attacking football, will be back in action when they host Sutton Coldfield Town at Borough Park tomorrow (3pm ko).

Expectations are high among fans after Reds came agonisingly close to winning promotion back to the National North last season.

Reds, under then player-manager Gavin Skelton, finished as runners-up in the Evo-Stik Premier Division but then suffered a shock loss to Ilkeston in the play-off semi-finals.

There has been a change at the helm in the summer with Skelton quiting the club to join Queen of the South as assistant manager.

Derek Townsley, assistant manager at Reds last season, is the new boss and he has been joined by assistants Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews in taking charge of Workington.

Glenn Heathcote, chairman, believes the transition in the management team has been a smooth one.

He said: “It will be good to get started.

“It’s been a smooth transition which is what we were looking for.”

Heathcote has no specific targets in mind for the season apart from continuing last season’s progress.

“It’s the same as last year – it’s about putting pride back in the club and putting smiles back on the faces of supporters,” he said.

“We want to go out and try to win every game and see where that takes us.”

Throngs of fans packed into Borough Park towards the end of last season as Reds’ free-flowing football saw them rocket up the table.

Heathcote added: “It would be nice if we could get a few of those supporters back tomorrow to cheer on the team.

“They have proved they can play some good, attractive football and they should be rewarded with people coming back through the turnstiles.”

Sutton Coldfield Town, which is based in the West Midlands, were promoted from the First Division South last season after progressing through the play-offs.

Townsley will have a full squad to choose from for the game, barring any last-minute injuries.

Workington will also be in action on Tuesday night when they travel to face Skelmersdale United (7.45pm ko).

  • Workington Reds Juniors will sponsor tomorrow’s match. Players, parents and coaches will be at the game to cheer on the senior side.