A sports psychologist is being hailed as playing a key part in helping turn Workington Town’s season around.

Brian McCready, a Liverpool-based psychologist, was brought into the club around six weeks ago when the team was second-bottom of the league.

His work with the players has coincided with an upturn in Town’s form with the club currently on a five-game winning streak.

McCready has been working with the players individually and in group sessions.

His work involves motivating the players and getting them in a positive frame of mind.

Town player Jamie Doran, 20, who is on loan from Wigan Warriors, hailed the impact McCready has made on the team’s fortunes on the pitch.

He said: “He has been spot on. When he first came in a few of the players weren’t sure. Down at Wigan I have done some stuff like it. I know it works.

“After a few sessions, a few of the boys have seen it is going to help us. “I think it has shown on the pitch with the five-game unbeaten run. The more Brian does it, the more it can help the team.

“Basically what he is saying is that it’s all about us. If we go in with a positive frame of mind we can beat any team.

“It’s having a big impact. We are taking it onto the pitch.”

Over the last 25 years McCready has worked with a variety of different sports stars.

He is currently helping middleweight boxer Anthony Fowler and mixed martial arts fighters in Liverpool.

Adrian Gowing, chief executive officer of Zebra Claims Ltd, which sponsors Town, has himself benefitted from McCready’s coaching.

He said: “Brian’s given the lads a real pick-me-up and they’re now focusing on finishing the season as strongly as they can.

“The team has won its last five games which has given them a real boost.”

Mark Fryer, vice-chairman of Town, heaped praise on McCready but added that there are several factors behind Town’s recent success.

He said: “In the short period of time Brian has been involved he has become a Townie. He has started to work with players in his own time.

“There is no doubt Brian has played his part, as has Phil [Veivers], the supporters, the staff and the board.

“It’s a team effort to get the team out on the pitch. Brian has been a key part of that but there are lots of other things going on around the club that has helped produce this run.”

Workington will be hoping to make it six wins in a row on Sunday when they welcome Featherstone Rovers to the Zebra Claims Stadium (3pm ko).

  • Town flyer: Monday, A White, Workington, D8049; Tuesday, L Ferris, Maryport, D9274; Wednesday, D&M Hayhurst, Maryport, A2557; yesterday, C Thompson, Maryport, B4579, today, D Slattery, Distington, E5802.