Workington AFC has announced that first team manager Danny Grainger will leave the club to pursue “a career opportunity that is too good to refuse”.

Chairman David Bowden said: "It’s a great sadness for us all that this has happened. Danny is an ambitious and talented coach and we always expected that he would attract attention.

"We never anticipated that this would happen quite so quickly, particularly after signing a longer contract, but our relationship with Danny is strong and we have no wish to stand in his way."

Grainger said: "It’s with great regret that I will be leaving my role as first team manager at Workington Reds.

"I will be forever in debt to the board, players, fans, staff and volunteers for their total support and I would like to place on record my thanks to them all.

"I have received an offer that I didn’t think would come along and it’s an opportunity that myself or my family can’t turn down.

"It goes without saying that the last 18 months has been a challenge for the fans and the football club, but I leave knowing myself, my staff and the board have laid the foundations for the long-term stability and success at Workington Reds.

"Finally, Workington Reds will always hold a special place in mine and my family's heart for the opportunities they have afforded me, and I really wish all connected with the club the very best moving forward."

Bowden added: "The whole club are delighted at the progress we have made since Danny came to the club and of course, while we are very disappointed, we wish him every success for the future.

"We will now get on with appointing a new coaching team to work with our talented squad of players to ensure our drive for promotion continues."