Danny Grainger is anticipating an “emotional day” as his spell as Workington Reds manager ends today.
Grainger is stepping down after the final game of the Northern Premier League Premier Division clash with Guiseley at Borough Park.
The Cumbrian has called time on his second two-year spell at the club, having delivered promotion last season and survival in the higher division this term – as well as back-to-back Fred Conway Cumberland Cup successes.
Grainger’s position will be taken by ex-Lancaster City boss Mark Fell but first the former Carlisle United captain will sign off with his last game this afternoon.
“It will probably be an emotional day,” said Grainger.
“I’ve got good relationships with the players and staff, and all the volunteers, and over the four seasons I’ve been here we’ve been able to move the club forward, we feel.
“For me, it is going to be an emotional one but on the other hand I know it’s the right time to step down.”
Workington are set to finish either 16th or 17th in the table, with a poor recent run of results following Grainger’s announcement that he would be stepping down.
The manager, though, says he is delighted with the way the club have consolidated after last season’s memorable promotion through the play-offs.
It has also been a successful week for the Reds as they defeated Carlisle United 1-0 in Tuesday’s Fred Conway Cumberland Cup final.
This afternoon will also be a swansong for three Reds favourites with long-serving stars Scott Allison, Conor Tinnion and Sam Smith set to retire at the end of the campaign.
As for Grainger, he maintains that he still does not know what his next role in football will be.
“I’ve got plenty on at the moment – I’m helping at Carlisle with the under-18s, and I’ve got my own academy [the Cumbria Football Academy based in Penrith], so I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment,” the 37-year-old said.
“We’ll get to the end of the season and see.
“I’ve got to look and see what I want to do personally, whether I want to stay at first team level or go down the route of youth development.
“I’ve got to assess where I see my career going. Once we’ve done that we’ll assess if there are any options. If there aren’t, I’m alright with it. I won’t worry and panic. Whatever does happen, I’m alright with it.”
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