CHAIRMAN’S END OF SEASON REVIEW

What a remarkable season we have all just enjoyed as Workington Reds fans!

We started with high hopes following a strong finish to the previous campaign and two seasons of consolidation since promotion in 2023. A familiar team manager was reappointed with strong Cumbrian football connections who it was hoped would secure the best local talent.

Unfortunately, we encountered our worst ever start to a league campaign and fell at the first hurdle in both major cup competitions. So, it was obvious a change of direction was required with still enough time left to rescue our season.

After speaking with several candidates Billy Barr was appointed in early November and started with a narrow 3-2 win in his first game. Things were looking up and were picking up points from draws, but Billy’s second 3-pointer was proving difficult to find. Then, the new recruits began to impact as we entered February. Unbeaten in eight, six of them wins moved us out of the drop zone for the first time in the season. Top of the form league, Billy was manager of the month for February and nominated again in March. What a turnaround, and the great escape was on.

Saturday, 18th April 2026, Warrington Town, will live long in the memories of Reds fans as our status in NPL Premier was secured in a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down at half time and marked the start of an emotional week for us all.

The last game at Borough Park a week later was tinged with sadness as we bid farewell to the “old lady.” To see so many of ex-players turnout to parade in front of a large crowd in the sunshine was brilliant. To see the smiling faces despite the result at the end was emotional. Thanks to everyone who attended and made it such a special day.

I thought we did the old ground justice but of course, neither the day nor the entire season could be a success without the fans and army of volunteers and staff who give their time to make it work.

From ground staff to bar staff, supporters’ clubs, some of whom also man the club shop to the ladies who help in the Shankly hospitality. The social media team and of course my hard-working Board. The club could not survive at this level without them. My personal and heartfelt thanks to you all.

Of course, a special thanks to Billy and his team who ensured we could enjoy the day and leave Borough Park on a high.

Now we move onto a new era for Workington AFC. A massive step as we leave our historic home to make way for a new stadium. But we do so with the club in a good place. I believe there is a togetherness and an atmosphere that we have not seen for a long time.

We have worked hard with Workington Town RLFC and Cumberland Council to make the new stadium project a reality and we cannot thank Town enough for their help in making our temporary move as smooth as possible and Cumberland (formerly Allerdale) Council for having the vision and acquiring the funds to make it all possible.

We have just witnessed one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Workington AFC. The lows at the start of the season, followed by the highs as we survived in the division against all the odds. We have enjoyed the highest attendances since our Football League days with over 20,000 through the turnstiles to watch first team games. Unbelievable considering where we were. We have had more attention from the press and media than ever including a National Grid TV advert and a live BBC radio show from Borough Park.

However, we need you all again as we turn the page the next chapter in the story of “The Reds.” Thanks again for this season and see you all at the Fibrus Community Stadium in August.

COYR

Phil Norman