Workington Reds have made a double signing as they start their new season today.

Defenders Ekow Coker and Niall Moran have joined Danny Grainger's squad.

Former Macclesfield man Coker joins on non-contract terms, with Moran linking up on loan from Chorley.

They go into the squad for Reds' NPL West opener this afternoon.

They host Mossley at Borough Park with Grainger in charge again.

On each of the two previous seasons he was manager Covid interfered and the campaigns were cut short.

It’s definitely a case of unfinished business for Grainger and his assistant Steven Rudd as they bid to make it third time lucky for the former Carlisle United skipper.

Grainger hasn’t had the smoothest of pre-seasons – but is very happy with where his squad is in readiness for the first game.

“I’m over the moon actually with the squad, the quality of the players we have brought in and how we are shaping up," he said.

“This is going to be the toughest this league has been for some time but our aim from the start is to win promotion.

“You can look at Macclesfield, Hanley, Leek, Runcorn, Clitheroe, Witton and Trafford, and I’ve probably missed one or two from that list.

“We have rarely had a full squad available for pre-season games because of holidays, injuries and a couple of lads getting married, so it’s been a bit disjointed.

“But I’m happy with what they have shown and even though there will be three or four missing with injuries [today], that’s why you need a competitive squad.

”There will be others who are fit but not playing but I want them all to be ready to come in when the opportunity arises.”

It’s always important to get off to a good start and Grainger is looking for a bumper first day crowd in the sunshine when Mossley provide the opposition at Borough Park.

“The pitch is looking immaculate and I hope we can get a big crowd which will be right behind us, as that’s always a big help to the boys,” he added.