Workington Reds skipper Gari Rowntree is set to expand his role at Borough Park by joining the coaching staff.

The experienced left-back will continue to play for Reds but he will now combine that role with some coaching.

Joint managers Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews are keen to utilise the respect and knowledge of Rowntree and see him develop.

"In many ways it is similar to the development of myself and Lee," said Hewson. "Gari has a lot of experience and he has led the side well as a captain.

"He is a fantastic leader and does a lot of the work you need to do as a coach already.

"Gari has been on the touchline a couple of times for us and we trust him and he has the utmost respect from the lads."

Rowntree broke his ankle in the play-off semi-final at Stourbridge at the end of last season and is still recovering.

But Hewson is determined that he will be involved from the off with Reds even if he can't take to the field right away.

He added: "He has been injured and if that means he can't train every week or play in every game then we still want him to be with us.

"So we wanted to give him that added coaching responsibility."

But he also reassured fans that Rowntree will still take his place in the Reds defence this term.

"First and foremost Gari is still a player," confirmed Hewson. "He plans on playing as much of the season as he can.

"But this will only add to his development and credit to him for taking on this new role."

Reds were back in training last week and will open their pre-season account on Wednesday night at the home of Whitehaven Amateurs.

The two sides are set to play their annual friendly for the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy at the County Ground, ko 7.30pm.