KEVIN Thompson has been named as new first team coach at Pilkington Recs ARLFC.

The current Lancashire open-age coach, Kevin moves to City Road from local rivals, Haydock where he has enjoyed a number of successful seasons.

Pilks, members of the NWCL Premier Division, are hoping that Kevin will help their young squad to realise their potential.

John Ledger will continue as second team coach.

Official pre-season training will resume on Tuesday, July 3 at 7pm.

Both squads are looking to attract new players and anyone interested can either turn up at City Road on Tuesdays or Thursdays, or contact club chairman Ralph Rawsthorne on 88 5820.

Meanwhile, the club's under-18s team begin training on Tuesday, July 3 at 6pm. Players past and present are encouraged to attend. Further informationfrom Ralph Rawsthorne or Neil Penketh on 632687.

Thompson's decision to leave Haydock after nearly ten years, has left the Yickers on the look-out for a new head coach.

Haydock, North West Counites Premier Division champions in season 1999/2000 and Lancashire Cup runners-up last term, are seeking a successor in advance of the new season.

Anyone suitably qualified interested in appying for the post can contact Frank Bradshaw on 637054 or Eric Smith on 601099.

BARLA National Cup holders Thatto Heath have unveiled former Wigan centre Dave Walsh as their new coach.

Walsh, who played at Wigan in the 70s, joins Heath after a spell in charge at St Judes. They are yet to appoint an assistant.

BLACKBROOK have appointed former long-serving player John Winders as first team coach for the forthcoming season.

The former BARLA international, a highly respected figure on the local ARL scene, steps up after coaching stints with the club's under-16s and under-18s sides.

This season Brook are going back to their roots and will field two open-age teams and an under-18s side in the North West Counties League.

However, they are still waiting to hear from the NWCL nanagement committee as to which division the open-age teams will be playing in.

Pre-season training commences in early July, but until then all players, new or existing, are encouraged to attend tick and pass sessions every Tuesday and Thursday evening at Boardmans Lane.