New manager Chris Willcock excited by Workington chance

CHRIS Willcock says he is ‘honoured’ to have been given the opportunity to take charge of Workington.

Willcock resigned as manager of their NPL North West division rivals Ramsbottom United on Thursday and was appointed by the Reds the following day. He succeeds Danny Grainger who left last month and has since joined Falkirk as assistant head coach.

Workington will be eager to gain promotion to Step 3 in the coming season after two frustrating campaigns.

They were top of the table, ahead of Ramsbottom, when the 2019-20 season was cut short and made an unbeaten start last term before the campaign was curtailed.

“I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the Reds and the hard work starts now, as we look to continue with success this season,” Willcock told the club website.

“During discussions with the club, we have spoken about short, medium and long-term ambitions and I know the club’s vision aligns very much with mine and we now look to go and implement this.

“In everything we do we aim to give our fans a winning team and a successful period moving forward.”

Ramsbottom moved quickly to fill their hotseat by appointing Lee Donafee, who joined the club as assistant manager alongside Willcock in 2018.