A BUSINESSMAN who is a born and bred Wire fan is going above and beyond to get behind the lads this season.

Carl Bennett is chief executive of Birchwood Park-based tradeskills4u.co.uk and he is letting his staff finish early so they can get to Leeds in good time for the Super League's opening fixture.

Mr Bennett, aged 55, is a fourth generation Warrington supporter, helping spread the gospel for the past 35 years in London where he worked as a police officer before starting the business 10 years ago.

He said: "My dad was a club sponsor and I suppose it is in our family DNA to support our club through thick and thin.

"We are letting staff at the Birchwood office go early to travel to the game and enforcing our non-rugby league staff to go to a home game this season.

"I know from my perspective that when the team does well, you feel more positive. It is not the biggest thing in the world but it makes a real difference.

"Certainly last year when it wasn't going so well!"

Having lived in London where he started the private electrical training provider business a decade ago, Mr Bennett, whose company sponsor Chris Hill and Sam Wilde, is well used to getting people into the sport.

"Having been a northerner down south I've always spread the rugby league word and brought many of my southern staff and former cop colleagues to games.

"I will be doing that will customers here too."

And he expects this year to be one to remember.

"You can sense something good around the players and the team. We have made some good quality signings and have cover in every position", he added.