All-time greats call it a day

Legendary pair to bring careers to a close in Guisley clash.

Conor Tinnion and Scott Allison will leave the club they have served with distinction after the final home game, against Guiseley, next week.

Rumours have circulated in recent weeks that both players intended to call time on their illustrious Borough Park careers and their departure is now official in what is going to be a summer of comings and goings.

The players have spoken fondly of their time at the club with the duo of the opinion that their respective bodies just cannot sustain another tough season of wear and tear.  It follows the mid-season decision from Dan Wordsworth to step down for similar reasons.

Tinnion arrived at the club fourteen years ago making his debut towards the end of the 2009-10 season.  He has made 392 competitive starts for the Reds with 120 of those as skipper.  In addition, he has appeared as a substitute 97 times and has scored 75 goals for the club.

If you add to that his games in non-competitive matches, he will have pulled on a Workington shirt no fewer than 570 times.

“I would like to thank my team mates over the years – too many to name – but have been lucky to play with some great players and shared some great times with them on and off the pitch.”

Conor Tinnion

“Also, I’m massively grateful to the fans and volunteers at the club who are the reason that Workington Reds exists and have given me the chance to play for all these years.

“There have obviously been some low points but it is all a part of it and I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing.  I feel very fortunate to have played for the club for so long and, again, a heart-felt thank you to everyone who has been there with me over the last fourteen years,” concluded the Cockermouth based midfielder.

Outgoing manager Danny Grainger paid a glowing tribute to the man he appointed captain when he took over the Borough Park hot seat in 2019.

“There aren’t enough words to describe Conor and what he has brought to this football club and he will be a huge miss.  Personally, I knew from our first conversation he would be my captain – the way he spoke and what he wanted from my time at the club, he was a winner and that’s the type of person I wanted to lead the team.

“We have spent many hours on the ‘phone discussing different things and his commitment to the club has never been in doubt.  He sets standards, is inspirational and a true winner.  Outweighing everything, though, Conor is a special human being and I’m sure all his family will be very proud of what he has achieved.

“Finally, a big thank you to ‘Tinners’ as he has always been open and honest with me and I won’t forget it.  I’m delighted he finally got the promotion he so craved and we have made memories I hope he will cherish when he reflects on his magnificent career.”

East Cumbrian, Allison, joined the club in Reds’ final campaign of Conference Football in 2013 and is now nearing the end of eleven fantastic seasons at Borough Park.  He previously played for Penrith and his first of many goals in Workington colours was against his former club in a pre-season outing.

He has scored in every season since, including the ‘Covid curtailed’ 20-21 campaign and an injury ravaged ’21-22 term, emerging top scorer on several occasions. 

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone at Workington Reds for my time here.  It’s been an absolute pleasure representing this football club for so many years and creating so many special memories during that time – the play-off hat-trick at Blyth Spartans, the FA Trophy winner against Hartlepool United and the promotion last season being my three favourite moments.”

Scott Allison

“I’ve been lucky to play with some great players and meet many fantastic people in my time here.  I will always be grateful to the club and everyone involved in making it the special club that it is,” concluded the Brough based ‘Ginger Messi’.

Grainger was equally complimentary about his ‘next door neighbour’ in the east of the county.

“What can I say about this legend?  I have asked Scotty to do many different roles for me during my time here and, without hesitation, he has given absolutely everything to perform at the best of his ability.

“His goal scoring record for the club is unbelievable and won’t be seen again for a very long time, if ever!  He suffered a lot of pain this season and still doesn’t back down from a challenge and, like others who have been at this club, will be a huge miss.

“Scott is just like Conor when it comes to the mentality of the game, a born winner who shows that at training on a weekly basis.  Again, I want to offer my personal thanks as everything he has done over my time at the club has been above and beyond the call of duty.

“Scott leaves a huge void to fill and is another legend parting with nothing but praise,” concluded Reds’ boss over four largely successful seasons.

The club will have to find new leaders and inspiration from within with Dav Symington and Sam Smith all of sudden becoming the club’s senior players.

“They are two great lads who have made my time here amazing.  We’ve had ups and downs together but created memories that will last forever.  All the best in your retirement.”

Current skipper, Symington, paid his own tribute.