Gittens keeps key role for Leek's biggest test

By dom mills

LEEK are in good shape to consolidate their position in Midlands Two West (North) after last season's promotion and title-winning campaign, according to director of rugby Neil Edge.

Leek open their season with an away trip to Tamworth on September 11.

And after retaining the services of paid coach Ian Gittens, the Moorlands outfit are now looking to avoid a repeat of their doomed 2007/08 campaign, which followed the previous year's promotion.

"Ian (Gittens) brought so much when he came to us," insisted Edge.

"Players responded to him which, for me, was the main thing. He gave us direction. He led from the front and it paid off.

"I have been working hard to keep him. In this league we need him. It's going to be more physical, faster and we will need to step up our game."

Leek will also benefit from the additional coaching expertise offered by Chris Mudd, who recently achieved his Level Two badge.

"All of a sudden we have two or three coaches at a senior level which can only benefit the first-team squad," added Edge.

Leek have looked to strengthen their playing personnel over the summer. James Staley, who operates in the front row, has been enticed back to F Ball Park.

The former Leek player was at Longton last season and has previously burst through the tackles for Newcastle.

Edge said: "He's a good ball carrier and hopefully will bring a lot to the first team." And Staley could be the first of a string of new recruits.

"Hopefully we have another two or three players who will be in the first-team squad," added Edge.

"This season we will have strength in depth, which has been a problem in the past. We also have our colts coming through – we had a very strong colts side last year."

Another major plus for Edge has been retaining Adam Nettel as captain, while the inspirational Gary McDermott has been promoted to vice-captain.

Edge said "He (McDermott) will be big for us – he'll help bring a lot of the players on."

But Edge insists it is imperative the side's crop of talented players step up their preparations for the new season.

And he is now calling upon all Leek's players to begin training in earnest on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at F Ball and Co Park.

"The season's going to be tough," he added. "We need all the lads in training now."

In last season's glorious title-winning campaign, Leek recovered from two defeats in the first four games to storm to the title ahead of nearest rivals Veseyans and Tamworth.

After losing 14-9 to Veseyans on October 10, the Moorlanders swept aside all-comers, winning every remaining game to claim the Midlands Three West (North) crown.