LYMM Rugby Club are hopeful a pre-season restructure can help launch a promotion push, writes Ryan Booth.

With several high-profile incomings and a boardroom shake-up, the club are aiming to escape National League Three North at the eighth time of asking.

Stuart Wraith succeeds James Fergusson as the club’s head of rugby, while former first-team captain and club stalwart, David Newton has been named honorary club president.

The restructure follows on from Lymm’s clubhouse developments being approved by Warrington Borough Council.

Talks over the proposed installation of a new artificial playing surface at Crouchley Lane are also progressing well between the club and the RFU.

Despite persisting as a strictly amateur club, Lymm have still managed to secure the signatures of several distinguished players, who they will be hoping can make an immediate impact.

The most notable arrival is the former England Counties and Cheshire front-row forward Gav Woods.

The club have also signed former Scottish Exiles under 20s fly-half Scott Redfearn from Stockport and James Robinson, who returns to the country after a spell in Australia with Central Queensland.

“To have a player of Gav’s pedigree in a Lymm shirt is huge,” head coach Adam Fletcher said.

“His ability and experience will be welcome in our young squad.

“We believe Scott will add a lot of quality to an already strong back-line.

“James has been impressive in pre-season training so far, with great skills and a good positive attitude. I believe he will add a lot of competition to our back-line.”

The club also welcome back Ben Rees and Andy Keer, who return for second spells.

Although off-field and recruitment developments continue, Lymm’s coaching set-up is unchanged.

Fletcher remains as head coach, while Andrew Davies and John Millington continue as backs coach and forwards coach respectively.

Adam Bray stays on as first-team captain while Jordan Widdrington retains the club captaincy.

On Saturday, Lymm beat Welsh side Beddau 14-7 in a pre-season triangular tournament before losing by the same scoreline to hosts Weston-super-Mare.

They travel to New Brighton on Saturday for a similar tournament that also includes Trafford Metrovic before their season opener at Morley on Saturday, September 2.