WOOLSTON Rovers go into the new National Conference season with a number of new faces in the team and on the bench.

Dave Elliott has stepped up to replace Vinny Webb as chief coach and brought in a number of new players as he looks to inject youth into the side.

Elliott returned from helping out on the triumphant BARLA tour of Australia to appoint two assistant coaches - former Warrington player John Thursfield and Liam Horrigan.

BARLA tourist and scrum half Neil Kelly is taking a year off so he can concentrate on his new job as Warrington Borough Council's Rugby League development officer.

His replacement is Andy Green, a former Woolston youth player who retired after suffering a badly broken jaw in his first team debut against an Aboriginal side.

Green returned to the game with the Chester Wolves during the summer and is now keen to return to his first club.

Rob Blackmore has rejoined the club from Lymm Rugby Union club and can play at full back or centre and Mark Cosgrove, another full back, comes from Weaverham.

Youth players are also expected to play an important role this season.

Elliott said: "It's a tall order taking over from Vinny after his excellent work with the club but pre-season build up has been going well.

"I picked up some ideas on the tour and Liam and John are both chipping in with things so there's plenty going on in training."

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