Last updated at 12:15, Wednesday, 02 May 2012

Delighted Darren Edmondson has vowed to fight tooth and nail to improve Workington Reds’ fortunes after being offered a two-year contract.

Darren Edmondson

The 40-year-old’s current deal was set to expire on Friday, but, after meeting with chairman Humphrey Dobie and the board of directors on Monday, Edmondson was awarded new terms. Ex-Carlisle United defender Edmondson will put pen to paper when the document is typed up, and expects that to be completed before the weekend.

He said: “I am delighted that my hard work has been rewarded.

“This season has been incredibly tough, but we have stuck together and I am grateful to be given this chance.

“I always believed I was the man to take Workington forward, and I am proud to be the manager of this football club.

“It’s a privilege to lead this team and to be given another two years is testament to the hard work I have put in.

“But it’s not all about me. This team has given their all too. It’s been a slog, but we will fight to make sure next season is an improvement.”

Edmondson will become Reds’ longest-serving manager if he sees out his contract, passing Tommy Cassidy and Joe Harvey.

He was appointed caretaker boss on September 7 2007, following Cassidy’s resignation.

Thrown straight in at the deep end with a trip to rivals Barrow that night, he kept his head above water with a hard-fought 1-1 draw. In 2010, Edmondson guided Workington to the play-offs.

Reds also beat Rushden & Diamonds and AFC Wimbeldon in the FA Trophy before Stevenage ended the Wembley dream in the quarter finals through Stacy Long’s injury-time winner.

Many consider Reds’ stunning 3-2 win at Wimbledon as the greatest result in the past 30 years, with goals from Jonny Wright (two) and Shaun Vipond securing the most unlikely of victories.

Workington finished 13th this season, four points above the relegation zone.

First published at 11:28, Wednesday, 02 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk