EXPERIENCED Jim Pennycook is set to be appointed Blackburn Hawks new player/coach as pre-season training is now under way.

The 37-year-old is keen to take over from Canadian Ryan Kummu who has left the club - and has the full backing of manager Mike Cockayne.

Cockayne said: "Jim is only in his second season at the Arena but is one of the most experienced English players in the game. We are very keen for him to take over the job."

More good news for Hawks fans is that the club are confident they can hold on to Jon Cotton, who has been approached by Peterborough Pirates, while a Russian Olympic star and two Swedish First Division players could be joining the side within the next week.

Hawks, whose season in the newly formed Northern League kicks off with a trip to Fife Flyers on Saturday, September 14, have lined up friendlies at Altrincham on Sunday, September 1 with a return clash a week later.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.