Workington Reds are expected to move quickly to replace assistant manager Terry Mitchell, who has left the club.

Danny Grainger’s No2 has joined Darlington in a similar role.

It sees the experienced coach end his time in west Cumbria after a season and a half.

Reds are understood to have plans in place for the role as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Radcliffe in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Manager Grainger said he was sorry to see his trusted assistant leave but understood his reasons for doing so.

“With where he’s from, over the Newcastle way, his commitment has been unbelievable – he’s never missed a session, never missed a match. He’s been getting home at 1-2am from away games at times,” said Grainger.

“I did kind of anticipate this would come at some point but I probably wasn’t expecting it now.

“It’s a huge shock and a big disappointment personally but I completely understand why he’s doing it – it’s a higher league, closer to home, and there are no hard feelings from me.

“I wish him nothing but the best for the future and hope he makes a success of it.”

Mitchell has linked up with Darlington as assistant to new boss Steve Watson, the former Newcastle United star, who was appointed earlier this week.

The Quakers, who knocked Workington out of the FA Cup this season, sit second bottom of National League North, ex-Gateshead and York City manager Watson having replaced former Carlisle United defender Josh Gowling at the helm.

Mitchell, speaking to Darlington's website, said it was a "no-brainer" to join such a big club.

He also paid tribute to Grainger and Reds, describing the Workington boss as a "really top manager for the future" and the players as a "great set of lads".

He added that being part of last season's NPL West promotion with the Borough Park club had been a great experience before consolidating in NPL Premier this term.