By Martin Morgan

Last updated 13:00, Wednesday, 02 July 2008

Darren Edmondson is under no illusion that supporters will expect Workington Reds to deliver the goods next season after their mid-table finish in his first year in charge.

Reds finished 14th in Blue Square North last season, on 50 points, and were badly hampered by long-term injuries to key men Anthony Wright and Michael Reed.

“Fans will expect more,” admitted Edmondson, who with No 2 Viv Busby took over early last term following Tommy Cassidy’s switch to Newcastle Blue Star.

“Me and Viv will be a bit more experienced at this level, and we are definitely planning to do better, without a shadow of a doubt.

“We can’t afford injuries to key players, again, but if they come, we’ll just get on with it, because it’s all part of the game. I did enjoy the season and learned a lot. I possibly learned not to panic if things start sour in a game.

“A game’s 90 minutes long, and you’ve just to relax and keep the boys enjoying it. Nine times out of 10, if enjoying it they’ll play well.

“I also learned from that run in January/February, when we won only two from 10. When things are going badly, we just have to dig in for 10 or 15 minutes and always keep playing, because we have very good players in this team who will always create chances.”

There were no ever-presents last term but players’ player-of-the-year Tony Hopper missed only three matches, making a mammoth 50 appearances.

National supporters’ player-of- the-year, Adam Collin, with 48, Graham Anthony, 46, and Kyle May, 45, were also regular starters.

Some 15 players contributed to the goal tally of 71, with supporters’ player-of-the-year, Jonny Wright, the former Whitehaven Amateur, top scorer with 14, including 11 in the league.

Michael Reed netted 11 times as did the now departed Matthew Berkeley.

“Tony Hopper was my man-of-the-season,” Edmondson said. “He led by example, working his socks off, and he is a really good team man.

“Michael Reed got 11 goals despite missing a lot of games due to injury. If we can keep him fit, we won’t miss Matthew Berkeley.”

During the season, Reds were awarded eight penalties (six converted, two saved) and conceded six, four of which were converted.

Best home win was the 5-0 success over Tamworth while the best on the road was a 5-2 win at Vauxhall Motors.

Reds recorded three league doubles, over Vauxhall Motors, Blyth Spartans and Hyde United, and had two – Boston United and Alfreton Town – inflicted upon them.

Only two red cards were picked up, by Anthony and Edmondson, and 63 yellow cards were shown to 18 different players.

Five different players skippered the side; Steve Birks,May, Alan Gray, Anthony and Hopper taking the armband.

And the best unbeaten sequence throughout their third campaign in Blue Square North was seven, including five wins. The longest sequence without a win was also seven.