Workington Reds won’t be raising ticket prices for the NPL West season, due to get underway in August.
New chairman Phil Norman has said: “As a non-league club balancing the books is always our number one challenge. We face cost of living increases like everyone else but have decided not to increase ticket prices.
“However we are currently investigating several new income streams and hope to be in a position to announce some of them shortly.”
Norman took the time to attend the first training session of the pre-season under returning manager Danny Grainger and he addressed the players.
“Danny’s main aim is to get promoted so there won’t be any less pressure than last season but I don’t think Danny would want it any other way.
“Although promotion is our main aim I think a good Cup run can not only provide useful income but help build momentum,” he said.
Reds will play their first pre-season game tomorrow night when they pay their annual visit to Whitehaven Amateurs to contest the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy.
Shaun, who died 12 years ago, had close ties to both clubs as a member of the Reds Supporters Association in the 1970s and was later a popular chairman of Whitehaven Amateurs.
The trophy in his memory has been played for since 2011 and although Whitehaven won the first game, Reds have scored nine wins with one draw, since then. They enjoyed a 5-1 victory last season.
June 23 is the earliest Reds will have played a pre-season friendly and most of Grainger’s squad should be available for at least 45 minutes. There are one or two carrying knocks.
The manager is still looking to strengthen his squad, noting that full-back and centre mid-field are two areas he would like to see more competition for places.
A number of trialists and members of the Development squad will join the first team for the Whitehaven game (kick-off 7.30pm).
