Workington Reds star Jake Simpson has left the club to take up a full time post with Chesterfield FC.

He played his last game for Reds in the 1-0 defeat at Witton Albion on Tuesday night and began his new role as Chesterfield's strength and conditioning coach yesterday.

The right-back has been one of the mainstays in the Workington defence for a number of years.

A club spokesman said: "Tuesday was Jake's last game for Reds and he is switching to a full-time role at Chesterfield as a strength and conditioning coach for the first time.

"He has been doing some work experience at Carlisle United for nearly two years so he has a lot of invaluable experience.

"We wish him all the best for the future. We knew that it was going to happen at some point as he has been training for this for a while.

"He has been a very good servant to the club and we wish him good luck."

Manager Dave Hewson, admitted it was a blow but again wished Simpson all the best.

He added: "I have been involved with Jake both when I was playing, then as a coach and manager.

"He has been a fantastic servant to the club, especially over the last three seasons when he has been a key man in the squad and pivotal to our success.

"He will be a big miss but he goes with our blessing. On a personal note we are all really pleased for him, as we know this is what he has been training and going through education for."

Reds go to Hednesford Town tomorrow, still without the suspended Conor Tinnion.

But they welcome back Dan Wordsworth after his one-match ban and Anthony Wright and James Earl will also come back into the fold after missing out on Tuesday.