HAVING finished third last season in Yorkshire Division Five, Wibsey, who will be resplendent in a new kit next season, reckon that they can have a real crack at promotion.

Much of that optimism for 2016-17 is based on the impetus given them by two key signings – hooker James Brown, who has joined from Bradford & Bingley, and winger Carl Walker, who has returned to the High Street club from Bradford Salem.

Brown has been made first XV skipper, but James Birkbeck, who he has replaced, will remain as club captain.

"It was a very difficult decision to decide who to give the armband to," revealed first-team manager Steve Brooke.

"There were three or four who were in with a shout but what swung is was that Browny has played at a much higher level for Bradford & Bingley's first team.

"Most of the lads know him anyway, but it is the same with those who don't – he earns instant respect – and he also has a good rugby brain.

"But we also felt that it would be unfair to take the club captaincy off James Birkbeck after all that he has done for the club, because he was here when we were being watched by 'two men and a dog' and has played for us a lot when he has been injured."

Brooke added: "We have also signed Brad Wright from Wibsey Warriors' rugby league team.

"He has never played union before, so will start as a utility back, but he could well slot in at full back as he has a massive boot on him.

"We also hope to sign some other lads from the rugby league club and ideally end up with a first-team squad of 25.

"We are desperate to get out of Yorkshire Division Five, and the p-word (promotion) is being mentioned all the time at the club, although we don't want to get giddy.

"If we do get into Yorkshire Division Four, then we hope that will attract more players to us and better players.

"We will get injuries, of course, but we would like to have a second team as well if we have enough numbers, and we hope to have CJ Vogel and Mark Darragh back when Wibsey's summer rugby league season has finished, as well as giving a few of their under-17s an opportunity."

Wibsey's coaching staff remains the same, with Andy Rose as head coach and Rob Greenwood as his No 2, although Matt Hartley has stepped down as club secretary and fixture secretary.

Andy McDonnell has taken over as fixture secretary, while Brooke has absorbed the club secretary role, which means that he will be wearing yet another 'hat'.

Pre-season training is on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7pm-8.30pm) at Northfield Road, and interested players should contact Brooke on 07769-678490.

Sponsors who have helped Wibsey to get their new kit are: Right Green Recycling (main sponsor), Mad Duck LTD, Gregson Electrical, Greenwood Flooring and Bharat Restaurant, while new club sponsors are Dan Callaway, Ohllson Properties and A&G Wainwright Joinery.