Long-time Workington Town director and supporter Les Smallwood is the new man at the helm of the club.

Having followed the club for more than 40 years, Smallwood is delighted to be taking on the role as Town chairman.

Smallwood is in the second of two spells as a director, having first joined the board in 2002. He served until 2009, then returned in 2016.

And he is excited about the future at the club, saying: "I’ve supported the club for over 40 years after being taken to all four Lancashire Cup finals by my dad.

"After a turbulent few years, we are now in a more stable period with a positive 2018 season behind us and a very exciting few years ahead of us.

"I feel very privileged that my fellow directors have shown faith in me to help steer the club through our next phase.

"I’d like to pay tribute to previous chairs and directors as the role is a very demanding and challenging one.

"It needs a supportive and understanding family and I know that all previous directors have had that, and it’s impossible to do the role without that understanding.

"I’d, therefore, like to thank my wife Jacqueline for her support.”

After previous chairman Garry Mounsey stood down earlier this year, the club decided to run without the role until the end of the season and designate responsibilities across the board.

And Smallwood put on record his thanks to Malcolm Allison who helped to lead the club through the latter stages of the season.

He added: "Malcolm Allison stepped up to the plate as an interim lead and has helped guide the club through some big decisions with a calm and steady approach due to his vast experience.

"Malc has started a new job but is still very much committed to the club.

"I’d like to put on record my personal thanks to him and I’ve asked him to stay on as my vice-chairman."