RYLANDS Sharks will head into the new campaign with a host of changes on and off the field.

They will warm up for a new tilt at National Conference League Three and North West Men’s League titles with tough tests at Blackbrook on Saturday, February 11 from 12.30pm.

And they do so with Matt Wilson back in the role of head of coaching, his brother Mark as the new open-age section chairman, and a turnaround of players in the off season.

Gavin Conroy and Chris Dean have left the club – and Mathew Taylor has retired – but Anthony Braide is back after a two- year absence through injury, Theo Holt has joined from Woolston, James Jones has signed on a dual registration from Warrington Wolves, Kyle Cherratt has returned to the first-team fold alongside Carl Lloyd and Callum Wright returns after breaking his arm in the first pre-season game of 2016.

Wilson said the new blood is leading to a new-found confidence and belief within the squad.

“First few weeks back in training have been good,” said Wilson, who has coaching support for the NCL team from Eddie Harris, current North West Counties under 18s coach Mark Robinson and Braide, while Liam Lawton and Pete Leonard will continue to coach the NWML side.

“Our focus this year is on having a good group who want to buy into it and work hard for each other and be committed to one another.

“We finished 2016 really strongly, winning 11 of our last 14 games and winning the Warrington Cup, so we’re ready to hit the ground running.”

He is pleased with the quality added to the squad.

Matt said: “We lost Chris Dean who played a lot of rugby at number 13 for us but we have gained Ant Braide. Ant’s training the house down and is one of the best loose forwards in the amateur game.

“Theo has settled right in alongside Jack Lewis in the halves and his kicking game is something else.

“Jonesy gives us a real engine and he will be a great plus for us, while Cal is a class act and we were so gutted to see him injured last year but he is in great condition and ready to go again for us when the time comes.

“We also have players like Sean Boyle, Dan Woods, Nick Braide and Troy Brophy who played some exceptional stuff last year and our under 18s are developing well under Rob Campbell.

“And in Brad McAlpine we have one to watch this year – the young lad is big, strong and skilful, he was exceptional for us in 2016 but this year I think we will be even better.

“The feeling is positive and the lads can’t wait to get going.”

At management group level, Mark Wilson takes on the role of open-age chairman after many years in football administration.

He has been given the task of driving the club forward off the field and is joined by Nick Boyle, a former Latchford coach and Bank Quay committee member, as vice-chairman, with Kate Kirkham taking over from the retired Steve Wyche as club secretary.

“It became apparent to me from the start that this club has ambitions to not only be the best in the area but to be one of the best in the NCL," said Mark.

“The club has been a sleeping giant for many years. Our aim is not be the biggest club in the area, our aim is to be the most successful.

“Nick and I are new to our positions but are confident we have a good base and strong people around pushing in the same direction as us to achieve our goals. It’s a challenge I can’t wait to get stuck into.”

Anyone wishing to join Rylands Sharks should call Matt Wilson on 07713 765332.