Last updated at 20:20, Thursday, 02 February 2012

Workington Reds boss Darren Edmondson has challenged his troops to be brave in the battle against relegation.

Darren Edmondson

The Borough Park club are preparing for “15 cup finals”, according to the 40-year-old, who is charged with leading his side to safety.

Edmondson is unhappy with Workington’s current standing, and has pledged to make sweeping changes if results do not improve.

Calling on his established stars to step up to the mark, he said: “It’s not just about winning tackles and headers. It’s about having the courage to accept the ball when things aren’t going well.

“It’s about standing up to the pressure and making yourself available for a team-mate to pass to. It’s about inspiring others with words and actions on the pitch.

“Everyone in the dressing room has their own strengths and it’s time we saw them come to the fore.

“It’s time the leaders led this team away from the relegation zone and into the safe haven of mid-table.

“It’s time for the young lads to prove themselves when chances come their way and with the right attitude.

“It’s time we used that team spirit everyone praises us for and show this league that Workington are not the team we’ve shown this year.

“We’ve not been good enough, but that doesn’t mean we’re not good enough.

“This Workington team can still claw itself from the mire, but it’s going to be tough.”

Workington are languishing at the wrong end of the Blue Square Bet North, but are three points above Hinckley, who occupy the final relegation spot.

The problem for Reds has been their inability to pick up points at home to the league’s top sides.

Losing all four matches against Hyde, Stalybridge, Halifax and Guiseley, they have yet to play the remaining play-off side Gainsborough.

Edmondson said: “We are all in this position together, and it’s not a great place to be,” he added.

“I need to look at the way I’ve approached certain situations too, but the players need to accept responsibility and get us out of the position we’re in.

“Maybe I’ve been too sentimental at times, but that has gone out of the window.

“Changes need to be made and players need to fight for the right to wear the jersey.

“There are just 15 games left this season, and we will need to fight in every one of them to stay in this league.”

A pitch inspection is expected ahead of tomorrow’s trip to leaders Hyde, whose pitch is currently frozen.

Edmondson said: “The next 10 matches will shape our season. We cannot afford to lose to the teams around us. We must pick up points, especially in the home games.

“Taking on Hyde, Stalybridge and Gainsborough too makes that run incredibly difficult, but we are ready for the battle and will play with pride for the rest of the season.”

l Simply Reds January draw: 1, £500, No1984, Chris Root, Carlisle; 2, £100, No1013, Brian Clarke, Thornton; 3, £75, No487, Dave Heron, Workington; 4, £50, No1080, Chris Root, Carlisle; 5, £25, No655, Brian Walker, Workington. Drawn by Mark Algerson, Workington.

First published at 19:18, Thursday, 02 February 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk