DEPARTING Workington AFC boss Danny Grainger has given his final interview as a Red before linking up with Falkirk FC.

Grainger, born in Penrith, announced his shock departure from Borough Park on June 9 after receiving an offer “too good to refuse,” and it was later revealed he will take on the role of assistant coach at League One side Falkirk.

It was an attractive offer for Grainger who will join fellow Cumbrian and former Workington Reds number one Tony Craig who is the side’s goalkeeping coach.

In his final interview with the club website, Grainger said: “It was obviously a difficult decision leaving somewhere that’s been so good to me.”

Grainger’s time at Reds will be a lasting memory as he moves on to bigger things in Scotland, Workington was his first role as a manger after retiring from competition at Carlisle United.

“The players, board and fans have all been brilliant - I couldn’t have asked for a better first job.

“Falkirk is a massive opportunity for me and it was something that I just couldn’t turn down.”

Grainger will be returning to a home from home having played for Hearts north of the border.

“I’m going to be working with people that I know and trust, making sure the club goes in the same direction as what it needs to.”

When he announced his decision to leave, Grainger was praised by the fans for bringing the side up to the high standard they knew it could be.

Grainger said: “The biggest thing for me is that I feel like I’ve left the club in a better place than it was when I arrived.

“That’s the main thing, there’s now vibe and positivity about the club. I had a meeting with the players on Tuesday night before I officially left and it was tough because they’re great lads.”

Reds have had two seasons ruled null and void due to Coronavirus restrictions during Grainger’s tenure but this has not tarnished his time at the club.

“Obviously the first season, we didn’t get our title that we deserved - being 10 points clear with seven games to go - and many managers have commented that it was a joke of a situation.”

Nevertheless, Reds did get to play under Grainger’s watchful eye with a number of standout moments.

Grainger said: “Kendal away, beating your local rivals 6-0 and having the fans behind the goals loving it, the Clitheroe game in which we scored late on to win it.

“There’s been so many games that you can look back at and say it’s been an absolutely fantastic experience.

“Every single one of the players has played their part in that. We created a culture where it wasn’t just about 11, it was about the squad.

“Every single one of them bought into that and I can’t thank them enough.”