THE new stadium and the team’s precarious league position were the main topics at Workington Reds annual shareholders meeting.

One of the longest for some time at around 90 minutes, the meeting saw chairman John Mackay and his board quizzed on developments over the new multi-million-pound stadium.

They were also quizzed on their reaction to the team’s poor start to the season; the club is currently floundering next to bottom of the league.

Shareholders wanted to know the costs which Reds would have to find in the new stadium, compared to what they pay at their current home of Borough Park.

Mackay said: “That is something that has not been discussed as yet but we have already said it would be no good being given a Rolls Royce if we could not afford to drive it.

“We have been told it will be the best small stadium of its kind in the country when it is finished and we are excited at the prospect.

“I’m afraid Borough Park is falling apart and we need to be out of it.

“I am certain that the Workington Town people feel the same about the need to move out of Derwent Park.”

Concerns were raised that if Reds moved into Derwent Park on a temporary basis to play their league games while the new stadium was being built, and Allerdale suddenly had to halt the project, both clubs would be left in limbo on the rugby league ground.

“I am certain that would not happen but if it did then I would resign as chairman and I feel sure my fellow directors would do the same,” said Mackay.

The board, although not currently active in looking for new directors, were reminded by a show of hands from the shareholders that they should be continually looking for substantial new investment into the club – especially with the prospect of moving into a fine, new stadium.

Of more immediate concern was the club’s league position, next-to-bottom of the Evo-Stik Premier Division with a sharp reminder that relegation would be a disaster.

Directors Ross Peacock and Mike Rollo both stressed that the situation is being constantly reviewed and everyone at the club is working to reverse the situation.

“Nobody is happy with where we are and the board, the management and the players are all committed to improving the situation,” said Peacock.

The club made a loss of £10,940 last year but that was down from £29,581 in 2017 and in the previous years those losses had been as high as £100,000 and £50,000.

Two directors – Don Blackwell and Steve Durham were both re-elected to the board which is currently six-strong.

n THE monthly Workington Reds prize draw gifted £1,100 to Kerry Hodgson, of Moorclose.

First place and £500 was awarded to number 1840, Susan Knight, of Salterbeck. Second place went to Teresa Sibbald, of Westfield, who drew number 1829. Third prize of £75 was given to Daniel Brough, of Ashfield, who won £75. Alistair Ingles, of Harrington, took fourth, winning £50. Lee Musgrave, of Salterbeck, won £25 with ticket 1883. The rollover prize will begin again at £100 for December.