Workington Reds chairman John Mackay is hoping the appointment of Danny Grainger as manager has gone down well with fans.

Reds announced that Carlisle United skipper Grainger would be the new man at the helm this week. And Mackay says he is eager to get started, as soon as his commitments with Carlisle end.

“We hope that Danny’s appointment will go down well with the vast majority of fans,” said Mackay. “We believe he will bring success back to the team after seeing the confidence he showed in the interview.

“He was also very well informed about the club. He had done his homework and knew what he was talking about.

“And he is champing at the bit to get started but obviously he has a job at Carlisle to finish first. If we start to get good results in the new division then maybe we will see more fans coming down.”

Mackay said another bonus to Grainger was his local knowledge and contacts in the game.

He added: “He is a local lad which we believe is an advantage to us. We have had people from away applying but the danger is that they want to bring in a host of their own players and then we are no longer a local team, and that isn’t what we want.”

There was plenty of support from fans when the announcement was made on Wednesday.

Patrick Holt posted on Facebook: “Let’s hope he can get us promoted at the first attempt, good luck fella. COYR.”

And Ian Mcdonald backed Grainger, saying: “Great chance for a young manager to start off his career. Good luck.”