Workington Reds legend Kyle May has made a shock return to the club after his departure from Penrith AFC.

May, who left his player-manager role at Frenchfield Park over the weekend by mutual consent, has quickly linked back up with his former side and could go straight into the squad for tomorrow's Evo-Stik Premier Division clash at Hyde United.

He has agreed a short-term deal to rejoin the club he made 544 appearances for while he considers his next move, and he is believed to still have the hunger to play.

Reds have made a poor start to their league campaign, winning just once since the opening day and yet to pick up a point on the road, and joint managers Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews will hope an old head can help steady the ship.

Speaking to the club's website, Hewson said: "Lee and I are delighted to have Kyle back and his experience will be invaluable as we look to turn our fortunes around following a difficult start to our Evo-Stik Premier Division campaign."

May spent 13 years with Reds as a player, breaking the club’s appearance record, but took charge of the Bonny Blues in November.

Despite an initial positive impact, this season his side had struggled in Northern League, Division One and May departed after Saturday's 4-0 home defeat to Whickham.

Reds sit fourth-bottom of the table and are in need of a result to avert their slide, while Hyde United have not started much better but a home win against Mickleover Sports on Saturday leaves them three places and three points above Workington.

Victory could see Reds leapfrog United and move into 16th, although they will have to deal with the difficulties presented by a 3G pitch just as they did in Saturday's 3-2 loss at Basford.