Last updated 19:43, Thursday, 26 June 2008

WORKINGTON Reds have rubbished rumours circulating among fans that the club is about to be taken over by mystery investors.

Director Alec Graham said: “All I can say is that it’s news to me, the chairman and the rest of us.

“There isn’t a takeover. You wonder where these things come from.”

Reds launched pre-season training on Wednesday and Mr Graham declared it was all systems go for the new campaign.

He added: “We are playing a decent level of football and the club doesn’t owe any money.”

Ex-Reds chairman Dale Brotherton, who owns around 40 per cent of shares in the club, had heard the rumour and said he was bemused by it.

Mr Brotherton said: “There’s no foundation to it. No one has come to me about this. It would be very difficult to buy the club without the approval of the board and the major shareholder.”

Reds striker Matthew Berkeley says he is hoping to help fire Droylsden to Blue Square North title glory following his switch to the club.

The 20-year-old scored 11 times in 27 matches for Reds last term, his second spell at Borough Park. The chance of playing nearer to his Manchester home had appealed.

He said: “Next year Droylsden will be contenders to win it. The way they sold the club to me was really interesting, and hopefully I can help them be champions.”

Boss Darren Edmondson had been keen to retain Berkeley, who joined Reds for a second time in October last year.

And the striker revealed he will look back fondly at his spell at Workington.

He added: “People at the club were so friendly. I’d never say a bad thing about the club. I enjoyed it there but it was time to move on.”

Berkeley launched his career with Gretna, switching to Borough Park in 2006, playing nine games before being recalled.

He later had a brief stint at Blue Square Premier Altrincham, rejoining Reds last term.

A potential replacement is former Gretna youngster Lee Novak, who was Newcastle Blue Star’s top scorer last term with 22 goals.

And Reds can still call on Jonny Wright, last season’s top scorer with 14 goals, and Michael Reed, who netted 11 times despite long spells on the sidelines due to injuries.