Alan Clark, kitman with Workington Reds for the best part of 12 years, has been honoured by the club.

The 75-year-old took over in the volunteer role during the 2006/07 season after being approached by the then-chairman Humphrey Dobie. He assisted Bill Doran at first and then did the job himself before handing over the reins (or should that be kit) to the present incumbent Phil Grisdale.

Tommy Cassidy, Darren Edmondson, Ian McDonald, Gavin Skelton, Derek Townley and the present partnership of Dave Hewson and Lee Andrews have been in charge of the team during Alan’s tenure.

It was Hewson who made the presentation of an engraved tankard before a recent game in which he paid tribute to his loyal support and efforts over the years.

A former Sunday League full-back, Alan has been a supporter of the Reds for most of his life and regards it as an honour and a privilege to have served his local club.

“I first went to Borough Park to watch the Reds in the late 1940s before they were elected into the Football League. My grandmother and auntie used to take me down,” he said.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs for the club, probably more downs but, since taking on responsibilities for the kit, I’ve enjoyed every minute.

"There have been a few highlights over the last 12 years but I suppose the top has to be the 3-2 win at Wimbledon with Darren Edmondson’s team.

"The 4-3 play-off semi-final win at Blyth was another memorable night and, although it was disappointing to lose the final at Salford, it still made for a great finish to a good season."

Although he’s handed over responsibility for the kit to Grisdale, Alan is still a regular at home matches.