WHEN Mike Lomax was taken to his first Warrington game by his dad, little did he know that more than 40 years later his name would be on the shirts.

Well sort of.

Because as the boss of Total Steel Fabrications, based just a stones throw from The Halliwell Jones Stadium, his company has long been a shirt sponsor at the Wolves.

And now he has become the latest member of the board.

With chief executive Andy Gatcliffe leaving this week, Mike, aged 50, is helping on a day-to-day basis with off-the-field activities.

And he says it is an exciting time to be involved.

"I have always been a massive fan of rugby league. I played a bit at school but mostly played football.

"But I love rugby league, it is the greatest game in the world.

"I started as a fan at Wilderspool and then my lad played at Latchford Albion and then the academy, so I know the amateur side of the game too.

"But if someone told me when I was a lad that my own business would be on the sleeves of the shirt, I wouldn't have believed them."

The former St Benedict's and English Martyr's pupil has boundless energy and could not have been more enthusiastic about the coming season when we meet.

"It is a bit different now I am on the board. Everyone has their opinion about how the club should be run - everyone knows best!

"But it is a real responsibility I am looking forward to," he said.

One of Mike's main tasks will be to spread the gospel of rugby league more widely, with Wolves planning corporate events such as race days and golf days.

And he says that from his own experience of bringing guests to games, many want to come back.

"It is important to speak to people outside rugby league, who may not know what it is about.

"When they come to a game, they are always so impressed with the speed and the impact of the collisions."