BRADFORD & Bingley's head of rugby operations Martin Whitcombe has wasted little time in sorting out his senior coaching team.

Whitcombe, who has returned to Wagon Lane after a successful spell with Old Grovians, has Alastair Macdonald as forwards coach, Ben Greaves as backs coach and Robin Kay as conditioning coach.

Macdonald, whose career seemed to have been ended by a serious knee injury, will also be available to play, having made his first-team debut at the end of last season.

Stalwart Greaves, who made over 300 appearances for the Wagon Laners over a 15-year period – chiefly at scrum half or full back – returns to the Bees having been backs coach at Old Crossleyans last season, the Halifax club being relegated to Yorkshire Division One alongside Bradford & Bingley.

Kay has had several spells with the Bingley club and has also coached at Morley, Roundhay, Otley, Ilkley, Bradford Salem and North Ribblesdale.

Whitcombe, whose role at Wagon Lane was only confirmed late last week, said: "There are a lot of people asking me what is going on down at the Bees and I think we owe it to people to get the news out there as quickly as we can.

"Benny knows the lads and the lads know him. He is just starting out as a coach but I am absolutely certain he will be able to get our back-line going.

"I didn't really know Alastair when I came back but I have had a good chat with him and I am thoroughly impressed with his knowledge of the game and his enthusiasm for this club.

"I feel as though Robin has this club in his veins. Yes, he has coached other clubs in Yorkshire, but I honestly believe that his heart really is with the Bees.

"He has a vast knowledge of the game and he will be an invaluable extra pair of eyes for me on the touchline and a great sounding board for the lads when they need to get something off their chest.

"We are also bringing in Andy Smith, who has been around this club since he was a youngster, to look after the Barbarians XV (second team) with Steve Balmforth, who will continue as their manager."