Workington Town have appointed three new directors after their recent drive to widen the skills and size of the board.
Local businessman Gary McFarland; the founder of Cumbrian Tea, Mark Cant and experienced sports administrator Mark McSherry were voted in at a recent board meeting.
Chairman John Pleasants said: ‘It’s great to welcome the three newcomers to the board. They are all passionate and bring different skills that will compliment those currently on the board.
“The one thing that binds us all is a passion for Workington Town and it’s place in our community. I look forward to working with Gary and the two Marks on what is going to be a challenging but enjoyable season.”
Gary McFarland said ‘Firstly I would like to say it’s a great pleasure and honour to be back at Workington Town, after meeting with John Pleasants and his board of directors.
“Listening to the vision that they have to move the club forward I was very impressed.
“Also, the other new directors have qualities which will benefit all aspects of the club.
“It is important that we match the passion of Chris Thorman and his team at board level. We are under no illusions of the task ahead either, but are willing to put up a good fight for our great club. We do have the best fans and supporters clubs in any division.”
Mark McSherry said : “Like many people I do like to follow the fortunes of all the town’s sporting clubs.
“My background, however, edges more towards Workington Zebras and as Steelers team manager led them to win the Cumbria Shield in 2020.
“Over the past few years, pre and post covid, I have become very interested in the fortunes of Workington Town RLFC, their progress and the rebuild has been very impressive to say the least.
“Having spoken with several former directors and friends of the club John Walker and George Andrews being the most prominent ones, I decided to join them and the Blue Knights support group.
“The step-up to board level with Gary and Mark came somewhat out of the blue after the call for new directors.
“By joining the board, I see it not only as a positive way to help move the club forward, but I also take it as a personal challenge, and I hope I do not disappoint.
“The potential is here, we have a great fan base, a first class English coach and his committed coaching staff. We have a core of extremely hard working volunteers and fantastic supporters groups.
“The team we currently have is young and enthusiastic and are playing for the badge and for their coach and we are currently a Championship club once again. With the potential of a new shared stadium on the horizon I’m extremely excited to be getting involved and cannot wait to get started.”
Mark Cant said: ‘I’ve been a supporter of Workington Town since childhood and watched them when they were in the Super League. I would love nothing more than to see Town reach their true potential once again, and I am looking forward to contributing towards the club achieving some exciting objectives in the coming years.”
The three new directors join chairman John Pleasants, Graeme Peers and Kerry Harrison in completing the new six-strong board of Workington Town RLFC.
