Workington Reds boss Mark Fell is looking forward to today’s pre-season test against Morecambe – which sees Danny Grainger back at Borough Park.

Fell’s promotion-winning Reds predecessor is now assistant manager of this afternoon's League Two visitors.

It means a quick return to the touchline at Workington’s ground after his departure as manager at the end of last season.

The game (kick-off 3pm) sees a second EFL test for Reds in successive weekends after they held Carlisle United 0-0 last Saturday.

In between, a more experimental Workington side lost 2-1 at Penrith on Tuesday but a more senior XI is expected to play today.

Morecambe head to west Cumbria having recently made a glut of signings after their transfer embargo was lifted.

Some 15 players signed on one day last Friday, with the former Carlisle United pair of Hallam Hope and Tom White among them.

The Shrimps, with Grainger as No2 to Derek Adams, will go up against a Reds side aiming to fine-tune ahead of the new Northern Premier League Premier Division season.

Morecambe manager Derek AdamsMorecambe manager Derek Adams (Image: PA)

It is the latest in a series of good examinations for Workington, according to Fell.

“Morecambe have put a squad together now, and we’ve got good relations there,” he said.

“Obviously Danny’s there, and I know the manager well – it will be a good test.

“We Bolton's B team the week after, so these games are coming thick and fast.

“Being honest, I'm one of those that doesn't particularly enjoy pre-season – I'd rather just get on with it – but I know it's a process we've got to go through.

“I know there'll be some peaks and troughs in it, and I also know that you don't actually really know where you are until right at the end.

“We also play Clitheroe, who will probably play like a Northern Premier League club – they’re really well resourced, and have got [former Accrington Stanley No2] Jimmy Bell in charge now, who's really experienced, so I think that game will probably give us a good idea of where we are.”