Sam Smith has been appointed vice-captain at Workington Reds for the new season.

The decision has been revealed by manager Danny Grainger after it was confirmed Smith would be remaining at the club.

The long-serving player has been on Reds' senior books for ten years after coming through the club's academy.

And he will take on a senior role in the squad in 2022/23 as returning boss Grainger aims to lead the Borough Park club to success.

Grainger said of the west Cumbrian: "Sam is a massive part of the squad on and off the field and his leadership qualities are exactly what we need.

"He has high standards and is committed to the club moving forward on and off the pitch."

Smith - last season's player of the year - told the Reds website he was "proud" to be asked to be vice-captain and was "buzzing" to re-sign for the new campaign.

He is the latest player to commit to the cause for 2022/23 under Grainger after Liam Lightfoot, Robbie Hebson, Steven Rigg, Keelan Leslie, Cieran Casson, David Symington, Scott Allison, Jim Atkinson, Dan Wordsworth, Conor Tinnion and Matty Clarke confirmed they were staying.

Grainger recently returned for a second spell as manager.

It followed the departure of Chris Willcock after Workington missed out on promotion from NPL West. 

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