BLACKBURN coach Dino Radice says there is a real buzz about the club as they prepare to kick off another season – a campaign he hopes will end with a challenge for the play-off places.

The Ramsgreave Drive club have had a successful summer both on and off the pitch – winning pre-season friendlies while they have recruited strongly.

After a season that promised much but tailed off, Radice is hopeful his side will remain in the hunt for the duration this time out.

And he has brought in players he hopes will see Blackburn pose more of a threat.

Josh Thundercliffe has joined from National League One side Hull Ionians, Ali Wilde has also been recruited – as has former Nottingham and Fylde second row, Mick King, who stands 6ft 8inch tall and weighs in at 20st.

“I’m delighted with the players we have been able to attract to the club while at the same time keep hold off our main players from last season,” said Radice who also coaches Lancashire Under 18s and acts as a consultant for the Italian RFU.

Blackburn kick off with a trip to Aspatria on Saturday and Radice can’t wait.

“There is a real buzz about the place at the moment and we have had a lot of people coming down to watch out pre-season games where we beat Tylesdley and Thornton and Cleveleys.”

The team wil again be captained by Chris Lowden who is also the club’s forwards coach.

“We have a nice blend of youth and experience and there is no reason why we can’t challenge as long we are able to select strong teams,” added Radice.