Last updated 07:58, Friday, 04 July 2008

WORKINGTON Reds are facing the biggest travel bill in Blue Square North next season.

SIGNED: Kevin Gray

And with fuel prices going up almost every week the Borough Park club’s bank balance will be hard hit.

The Cumbrians face an aggregate 3,762 miles for their 21 away games in the league. By contrast Manchester outfit Droylsden face the shortest trips, putting in a total of 1,704 miles.

Reds director Alec Graham said: “Looking around at quotes for bus prices, they are £1,000 to £1,500 more than last season.

“I’m not surprised but it’s a noticeable increase on what we paid in the past, reflecting the increase in the cost of diesel.”

Despite cost increases, Reds have pegged their admission prices at Borough Park next season.

Prices will remain at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Adult senior tickets are frozen at £180 and junior season tickets are for sale at £20.

Reds begin their league programme with a tricky away game at Hinckley on August 9.

Graham said: “It’s quite a tough start. “Hinckley are a bit like us in that they under-performed last year, and we had both been in the play-offs the previous season.

“The only disappointment personally is that we never seem to get a home game on Boxing Day, which I think is a bigger draw for holiday crowds than New Year’s Day.”

Manager Darren Edmondson is under no illusion that supporters will expect Reds to do better next season after coming 14th last season.

He said: “Me and Viv [Busby, the club’s No2 coach] will be a bit more experienced at this level, and we are definitely planning to do better, without a shadow of a doubt.”

Reds missed signing Lee Novak, who is gone to Australia, but did secure experienced former Carlisle Utd defender and captain Kevin Gray.

The 36-year-old central defender, released by Chesterfield, is living and working in Carlisle and has opted to play for Reds in Blue Square North.

The tough, no-nonsense defender was a key player for Carlisle in 2006/07 and his experience and committed approach will be a major asset to the west Cumbrians.

Manager Darren Edmondson said: "I have been talking to Kevin for several weeks and I'm absolutely delighted that he's decided to put pen to paper.”

n Workington Reds Supporters’ Club June draw: 1, £461, No439, Bobby Brown, Workington, holder of the Reds’ appearance record with 439 games; 2, £100, No836, D Moore, Workington; 3, £65, No45, G Lumsden, Workington; 4, £50, No160, T Gauntlet, Bromborough. Drawn by Holly and Jake Williamson.