ADE Gardner joins a Warrington Wolves club on the brink of a glorious period in its history, according to departed head of performance Jon Clarke.

Former Great Britain and St Helens winger Gardner, 35, is the latest new arrival at The Halliwell Jones Stadium - charged with preparing the Wire players for another tilt at honours in 2019.

READ: Gardner a perfect fit for Price

The Cumbrian, who has been assistant strength and conditioner at Saints, knows all about success having won a Super League Grand Final, a World Club Challenge and four Challenge Cups with Wire’s neighbours during a 13-year playing career.

Clarke, who had 11 years as a Wire player followed by three in charge of players’ strength and conditioning, has started his new role with the England rugby union team but will continue to support Warrington in any way he can as the Wolves continue to strive at being Super League’s number one club.

“I see Warrington being very strong next year, stronger than they’ve probably been this year,” said the 39-year-old ex-hooker at the end of a Wire campaign that included defeats in the Challenge Cup and Super League title deciders.

“That’s because of the influence of Steve Price and his second pre-season, building on what’s already been built this year.

“It’s going to be hard not being a part of it and that’s what made the decision to leave so difficult because the club, in my opinion, is going to go through arguably the best time it’s going to have over the next few years.

“With Pricey at the helm and with the way the board’s structured, as well as the fan base and the staff within the club, the stadium and the training facilities, everything’s in place for it to have a successful few years. I can see it, I can feel it.

“In my opinion, Warrington Wolves is the number one club in Super League. The Wire might not have that tag yet as the Grand Final champions but the club is the blueprint for what other clubs should be about.”

So Gardner, whose older brother Paul played for Wire’s academy and reserves in the mid 90s, will take up the baton under Price on a two-year contract and guide the way when the players return for pre-season training on November 19.