WOLVES have confirmed Jon Clarke is returning to the club in a shake-up of Tony Smith’s backroom staff.

The former Warrington and Great Britain hooker is rejoining on a two-year deal as head of strength and conditioning, a similar role to the one he currently has at Widnes Vikings.

Also, current player welfare and football manager Karl Fitzpatrick will become head of rugby operations, while head physiotherapist Ben Stirling will have a new role as head of performance services.

All are considered key moves in improving Wolves’ performance on the field after a poor 2015 season.

Clarke, who left Wolves in 2011 after 263 appearances, said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me and my family to rejoin the club where I spent 10 great years and experienced the joys of winning Challenge Cups and a League Leaders’ Shield.

“To join the existing coaching staff under Tony Smith’s guidance is also a huge plus in terms of my development as a strength and conditioning coach.

“I’m certainly excited about the challenge ahead, which is to undoubtedly bring success back to this club."

He added: "The recent restructuring of the club at board level, the vision of Simon Moran and the squad that’s currently being put together for next year certainly shows the ambition and desire for success.”

Mick Turner, brought in from Wigan to take over Chris Baron as head of strength and conditioning at the end of last year, will be moving on, while Baron is the man replacing Clarke at Widnes following a return from Australia, where he has been working with Sydney Roosters.

Fitzpatrick’s new role will see him overseeing all rugby activity under Smith, including the first team, under 19s and under 16s academy operations.

Stirling’s focus will encompass sports science and medicine, physiotherapy and massage, performance analysis as well as strength and conditioning.

Head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Jon Clarke.

“He played such an important role as a senior player for a number of years and while he left the club, his heart was still with us.

“We always had the hope of joining up and working together in the future and that time has now come.

“It’s an exciting time for Jon and the club. I think he’s ready for the job and he certainly has the respect of the staff and players here. He’ll be a great asset to us once again.

“We’d also like to thank Mick (Turner) for all his efforts during his time at Warrington. He certainly has the well wishes of all staff and players for his future.”

On the promotion of both Stirling and Fitzpatrick, he added: “Ben has done a great job for the past few years as head physio but he also brings much more to the table.

“In recognition of this he will be given further responsibility in the performance team as part of his development and in respect of what he has been able to accomplish.

“Karl has played such an important part in the club for the past number of years, fulfilling all sorts of roles.

“In recognition of his achievements and capabilities he will now be covering rugby operations in many more areas at the club. He is well organised and conscientious and we are looking for his expertise in more areas of the club. It has been well-earned through a lot of dedication and hard work.”

Roger Draper, Wolves’ chief executive, said: “We are delighted to reward Ben and Karl for their continued hard work with more responsibility.

“They are an integral part of the performance team and are well respected at the club.

“It will be good to see a familiar face back at the club too. Jon Clarke gave 10 years of service to the club as a player and played a big part within the local community so we are pleased to welcome him back as part of the performance team from next year.”