Workington Reds’ Player of the Year Conor Tinnion thinks it would be a “cop out” if the club did not target promotion in 2017-18.

Reds have come close in each of the last three seasons, reaching the play-offs before falling just short, and Tinnion expects them to once again challenge at the top of the table.

“I think that’s got to be the aim,” he said. “We will be disappointed if we aren’t there or thereabouts.

“It would be a bit of a cop out to say that wasn’t what we are looking to do this season. I don’t know if it’s a mental thing but the last three years we’ve been very slow out of the blocks.”

Reds host Penrith FC tonight (7.30pm kick-off) in their penultimate preseason friendly, with their only defeat so far against League Two side Carlisle United, and victories against Whitehaven AFC, Annan Athletic, Gretna FC and Kendal Town.

But Tinnion is wary of reading too much into friendly results as the club build for another tilt at promotion and is just hoping to start the season with the squad fit and firing.

“I never get too concerned at the results but it’s nice to get into the habit of winning early,” he said.

“The main thing is everyone getting enough pitch-time and it’s all building up to August 12.

“You always want to win regardless of what the game means. All the lads are feeling fairly sharp.”

And the creative forward is not setting himself any goals other than helping the team to as many wins as possible and trying to lead on the pitch.

“I don’t really set myself individual targets; as long as I’m playing and contributing I’m happy,” he added. “If you look over the last five years, there are players that were here who aren’t anymore.

“The younger lads that were here then, including myself, are now probably the more experienced ones.

“Aaran Taylor and Gari Rowntree lead us but I don’t think it’s any secret that the manager wants us to stand up and be more vocal.”