Workington Town have a new man in the hot seat as Garry Mounsey steps up to take over the vacant chairman's role.

Mounsey, the former Town and Haven hooker, has been elected chairman of the club by his fellow directors.

The former Glasson Rangers amateur player and coach has been on the board for three years and is looking forward to his new role.

“I’m delighted to have been elected chairman," said Mounsey. "The club is busy regrouping for the new season in League One and with our very experienced vice chairman Mark Fryer, and a larger board, we are working hard to position the club to challenge for promotion in 2017.

"We’ve advertised for a new coach this week and have already had some strong interest.

"We will interview over the next couple of weeks and have our coaching set up sorted very shortly afterwards.

"Discussions with players are going well with our director of rugby Les Ashe and we will be announcing signings very shortly."

Mounsey is under no illusions and knows Town face a tough task next season after being relegated.

He added: "Finances will be challenging next season so the board is looking at some ideas for regular fundraising.

"We are financially assisted by superb supporters groups like the Travellers Rest Supporters Club, the club lottery and the ladies committee and I’d like to pay tribute to them for their unstinting support.

"I’m personally looking forward to the challenges ahead. Our aim is for a locally based team and to build on the great work of our Community Trust to position the club at the heart of rugby league in West Cumbria.

"With the commitment of the board, club staff and supporters we are optimistic about the future."

Town are already attracting interest for their vacant coaching hot seat, advertised on Monday.

Town parted company with head coach Phil Veivers at the end of the season, due to 'financial constraints'.

But the club's associate director, Gary McKeating, said that there has been plenty of interest both locally and further afield.

"We have already had some informal interest, as soon as the announcement was made," he added. "It has come locally and further afield.

"We need a quick turnaround as we are already starting to plan for next season.

"And we want to have a new coach in place for pre-season and from a players' point of view they all want to know who will be coaching them."

There is a closing date of Friday for applications.