LEGENDS DAY – Meet the Gaffers

As we continue to plan for Legends Day it’s time to meet the two managers.

They don’t really need much of an introduction but in Craig Johnston and Gari Rowntree we have two second generation Reds’ players who enjoyed successful careers with the club and between them amassed more than 550 games in those famous red shirts.

Craig Johnston had this to say about playing for his home town club and why he wants to be involved in Legends Day:

“Firstly a massive thanks to the club and all the players for making this day possible it’s going to be amazing.

Going back to my playing days, I loved every single second of it. We had such an amazing team and managed to get 2 promotions in that time and a cup final or two.

Playing for Reds was such an unreal feeling and I think a major sense of pride playing for them as well.
It’s an amazing club and hopefully will continue to do increasingly well into the future.”

“On the subject of this game it was actually at Gary Messenger’s funeral where me and Richard Lewthwaite got together and said we need to do something positive to involve the ex players instead of just catching up at sad times.

So the idea came forward to have this legends match. We have managed to get nearly 40 ex players which is absolutely amazing and it will be a brilliant day. To catch up with everyone is going to be absolutely fantastic and I’m really looking forward to taking the lads.”

Opposite number Gari Rowntree added:

“I loved my time playing and captaining Workington Reds and I am proud to have had so many appearances over the years, especially with it being my hometown club. There have been so many brilliant memories along the way being part of some special teams with so much ability. It has been an honour to play alongside the majority of the lads playing today.”

“I was eager to be involved, so when I was asked to manage the side I was over the moon. It will be so good to see all the oldies get their boots back on!”

“I am really looking forward to seeing everyone and catch up on old times all for some brilliant causes.”

” Finally we all hope plenty of the fans come down and support a great day as we are all looking forward to it!”

We’ll be announcing both squads later this week and we will also be revealing how you can join the legends on the pitch as well as other great ways to support our 3 great charities.