Workington Reds have renamed their Borough Park Social Club after legend Tony Hopper.

The announcement was made before Reds’ 0-0 FA Trophy first-round draw with Ramsbottom United.

The club also presented Tony’s father, John, with a framed Reds No.8 shirt, a shirt worn by Tony 269 times, 54 of them as captain, bearing his name along with the inscription - Always a Red.

John immediately presented the shirt back to the club so that it could be displayed in the newly-named Tony Hopper Bar, to remind future generations of the star who recently lost his fight with motor neurone disease, aged 42.

After being diagnosed with the disease Tony, who also played for Carlisle United, fronted substantial fundraising efforts within Cumbrian community.

"Tony absolutely loved playing for Reds and I get back three or four times a year," said John, who lives in Harraby, Carlisle.

"Until Tony was diagnosed with MND, I didn’t realise it existed. I didn’t know what it was.

"It’s the worst disease that I’ve ever known and I’d just like to add that the Eden Valley Hospice, in Carlisle, were absolutely magnificent in all they did for Tony.

"We can’t thank them enough."

Reds’ commercial manager Darrell Thomas said: "It’s a great way of remembering a player who loved playing at Workington.

"Tony was one of a kind and his shirt will now be there for fans and future fans to see.

"We asked John if it would be okay to name the social club after Tony, and he said yes straight away.

"When we move to the new proposed ground in Workington, we’ll hopefully find a way to remember him there as well."

Reds’ chairman John Mackay added: "It’s always good to honour a great servant to the club.

"I knew Tony briefly when I was involved at Barrow when he played there. MND is a very sad illness.

"It showed how popular Tony was when so many people turned out to say goodbye. I have never seen so many people at a funeral.

"As for the result on Saturday, it was always going to be a lottery due to the conditions, driving rain and gale force winds.

"One mistake or slip could have cost the game and, unfortunately, the forecast doesn’t look much better for the replay.

“Yes, we need points in the league but I do think we have the squad and the management team to get us to mid-table by the end of the season."

The shirt was manufactured and donated by Reds’ kit supplier SK Kits.

The Tony Hopper Fightback Fund raised almost £46,000 for the MND Association, leaving a lasting legacy that will continue to provide vital support for local people affected by MND and their families.

If you are affected by MND and would like more information contact Sue Muller, regional care development advisor, on 07876 575029 or email: sue.muller@mndassociation.org.