By Martin Morgan

Published at 11:12, Thursday, 19 July 2012

WHITEHAVEN Amateurs’ new boss Stuart Green has wished the best of luck to Workington Reds after opening his managerial account against his old club on Saturday.

The midfielder’s impressive career also included two stints at Carlisle United as well as Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Hull City.

But he was allowed to leave Borough Park one season in to a two-year deal to take over at his hometown club after his hopes for life in Darren Edmondson’s side were blighted by injuries.

“Workington are a terrific little club in a tough league, and I really hope they get themselves together and have a successful season, I really do.” said Green, who expressed his gratitude for being given a chance by Reds.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the football club – the directors, players and Darren. He gave me a contract and I thank him for that.

“It didn’t work out on the playing side and the disappointing thing was that towards the end my wages got leaked. But we move on.”

Amateurs went down 3-1 to Reds in the opening game of the Shaun Hocking Memorial Trophy last weekend, the annual pre-season tournament named in honour of the late Whitehaven chairman.

“I was delighted, we did really well. In the first-half especially we passed the ball really well and created chances. They are three or four leagues higher, and we were a bit unlucky to go in 2-1 down,” added Green, who has not called time on his playing career.

“The application and work-rate in the first couple of weeks has been outstanding. And if I can pass on my experience they can only get better.

“Though last year was disappointing, I won’t hang up my boots yet. It will be difficult to do both but I will keep my options open.

“We have quite a good midfield and even if I want to play, they will probably keep me on the bench anyway.”

Amateurs host St Bees in the second round of the tournament on Saturday, while Reds tackle Windscale, both kicking off at 2pm at the County Ground.

“Shaun Hocking was a lovely fella and this is a great tournament,” Green said.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk