Workington Reds have announced the addition to the board of seven new members, who join initially as associate directors.
Reds advertised earlier in the season for people who might be interested in joining the board with positive ideas about taking the club forward.
The response was outstanding, the club said, and added it was delighted at the skillsets the applicants brought to the table. It believes each and everyone can become an asset to the club.
A board statement said: “As associate directors they will get the opportunity to understand how their talents best fit the business before they make the transition to the full responsibility as a Director.
“We look forward to working together to keep the club moving in the right direction.”
Current vice chairman Richard Lewthwaite and director Simon Collins both went through the same transitional period.
Some will be familiar names, some not so, as the seven new recruits are unveiled as:
Harry Berkeley
He worked at Liverpool FC in an Academy coaching capacity for six years as well as working with other EFL clubs in analysis and recruitment.
He also has gained invaluable experience in the Women’s FA WNL as both a manager and director of football.
Outside of football he runs his own business in the digital industry across the UK.
Lynne Gauntlett
Lynne attended her first Reds game in the 1959/60 season, so she has been a supporter for a while!
Successfully running her own accountancy business for 30 years until retirement last year, Lynne hopes to put her business skills to good use helping the Reds to thrive.
Brad Heaton
Brad is a local lad with a variety of skills in digital media and marketing, which he has successfully put to use in his own businesses.
He has also run his own esports club which won some of the biggest tournaments in the UK.
After his appointment he said: “I am eager to get started and double down on the club’s recent successes.”
Paul Jones
Paul Jones has been a life-long fan of the Reds, an ex-referee for Cumberland FA and player in grassroots football at Sunday League level.
Paul works for Northern Rail at Workington as a train presentation operative.
He is looking forward to being a part of the team at Reds with a keen eye on supporter liaison and enhancing the match day experience.
Kieran Pettit
Kieran has been a regular at Borough Park and away games for a good period now.
Outside of football his background is predominantly in business performance, including data analysis, data transformation and supporting business change.
Kieran’s background is in education performance and he has experience in both the public and private sector. He has held various roles with other non-league clubs whilst at University.
“I hope that, along with the other new board members, I can contribute positive change to the Reds, and we can carry on the upwards trajectory the club has been on recently.”
James Telford
The Reds have been part of his family history as his nana’s brother played under Bill Shankly in the 1950s.
Frizington-born Tom Tucker Finley played 101 League and Cup games between 1955 and 1959 before joining Southport.
James first got involved with Reds around 18 months ago in the youth section and currently sits as head of The Girls Academy.
He has already successfully progressed them into the North West Girls Super League.
He says: “I’m looking forward to being part of driving the club forward as a whole.”
David Yates
The semi-retired transport manager ran his own business for 21 years. An avid supporter in his teens, he is now fortunate to be in the position to have the time to get more involved. David is keen to be involved in the day to day running of the club.
“Hopefully, with all our collective skills and help, we can drive this club forward,” he said.
All seven will start immediately and the club said: “As can be seen everyone brings something different to the table and on the back of that we have already looked at several specific areas that we wish to develop in the short term that will harness those skills from the outset.
“We are excited to be working with them as the club continues to progress on and off the pitch.”
