Workington Reds’ chairman John Mackay has paid tribute to the team effort that has allowed the club to keep building this year.

The club’s management, players, directors and supporters all came in for praise from Mackay, who has just taken over the role as sole chairman at Reds.

In particular he highlighted the War Chest initiative which Mackay says has allowed the team to add two experienced players in Jason Walker and Niall Cowperthwaite to the squad.

“The War Chest has greatly helped us this season,” he said.

“It has allowed us to bring in two experienced players, which, in turn, has greatly strengthened the team so it is a big bonus to us.

“Well done to the organisers of the War Chest and to everyone who contributed to it.

“Running a club is a team effort, from the management, directors, players and the fans. And we work together for the benefit of the club.”

Organiser and life-long Reds supporter Brian White announced the supporters’ club’s plans for the “War Chest” at the last game of the season after suggestions that the playing budget was being cut for the new season.

And it has supplemented the club’s budget for joint managers Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews, allowing them to bring in talented and experienced stars.

Mackay is urging fans to walk through the turnstiles this season, starting with the visit of Stafford Rangers on Saturday for the opening league game.

And he reiterated how important it is to get behind the side, as they begin a new tilt at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

“We need everybody behind the team and it is so important to come in numbers,” said Mackay.

“It is all about supporting the team and the club as they go hand in hand.

“A good crowd helps us financially and boosts the players as well. The more people that come through the turnstiles the better.

“We are not like the big clubs who have TV money, our gate money is a major source of our income, and it is vital to us that people come down.

“Fans can make such a big difference.”

During the close season, the board of directors have continued to work on developing the club in a number of ways, including the appointment of Darrell Thomas as commercial officer, and overseeing improvements to Borough Park.

Alongside this, a reworked board structure has been agreed which sees each director taking the strategic lead on an area of the club’s work.

John Mackay will become chairman and will primarily be responsible for supporting and challenging the rest of the board as they deliver the work on their areas of responsibility.

Don Blackwell will act as vice chairman and as operational director. He will lead on stadium and pitch matters, while Steve Durham’s role as football director means he will act as the main link between the board and the club secretary, first team and reserves. He will also lead on communications.

Mike Rollo will be commercial and finance director while Ross Peacock will be the community director and will be the board’s link to Reds in the Community, Reds Ladies and the Reds Juniors.

Dave Cumberworth will be partnerships director, leading on building relationships with clubs and businesses beyond Cumbria.

Alongside the board, Alec Graham will continue in his role as club secretary, and Clare Partridge will continue as office manager.

Don and Mike are also currently leading the club’s negotiations with Allerdale Borough Council and Workington Town RLFC as the three parties develop plans for accommodation for both clubs.