Workington Town chairman Les Smallwood says they are aiming to put the club back up "where they belong" in 2019 – in the Championship.

After taking over the top role several weeks ago, Smallwood has paid tribute to all the chairmen who have gone before him and also his fellow directors for their hard work – and said his wish for this year would be an upsurge in crowds at Derwent Park.

He said: "2018 was a rollercoaster of a year with the club so close to promotion but so far. This year, we aim to go one better and get back to where we belong in the Championship.

"Off the field, we are making great strides with our communication with fans and our social media approach.

"Our club shop and online shop is going extremely well and raising much-needed revenue and we have a fantastic team of volunteers, coaching staff, players and fans who are so passionate for Workington Town.

"My New Year’s wish is that in 2019 every fan brings a marra and let’s get our crowds up so we can invest in the team throughout the long season.

"This is the fans’ club and we are only custodians of it. I can pledge that the board will only do what is best for the club and we will never put the club in peril by overstretching.”

Smallwood thanked all their sponsors, including new main backers Myers and Bowman Toyota, and said they wished to build relationships with amateur clubs and show children a pathway they can follow.

"At the moment, we have local community players training with us to try and earn a contract, and it is always our aim to try and attract the best talent from the county,” he added.

"The board, players and staff of Workington Town would like to wish all of our fans a very happy, prosperous and healthy New Year.

"We look forward to seeing even more of you at Derwent Park in 2019 and here’s to a cracking season on and off the pitch."