Fly half Tom Rhodes, lynchpin at Bradford & Bingley for five and a half seasons, has signed for Otley.

He is one of several new boys who are hoping to help the National League Two champions make an impact on their return to the second tier.

Others include 22-year-old Wharfedale No 8 Rob Baldwin, who had two impressive matches against the front-runners last season, and Halifax’s Will Kay.

Additional key men in Peter Clegg’s squad include Rotherham’s Mike McComish and Leeds duo James Parker and Tom Whittaker.

Meanwhile, scrum half Andy Brown has returned to Cross Green after a season-long loan at Harrogate, while Leeds’ on-loan No 8 Max Lewis has joined Otley on a permanent basis.

But Irish international scrum half Guy Easterby has announced his retirement and hooker Duncan Sayers has rejoined Ilkley after making over 200 first-team appearances for Otley.

Back-row forward James Tiffany has given best to his recurring shoulder problems and will coach Wharfedale, while former Cleckheaton prop Paul Turner has left to join Halifax.

Dan Hyde has been named first-team captain in place of Ian Shuttleworth, with Clegg saying: “Hydey was one of the experienced players who really led from the front towards the end of last season.

“He is a real dog on the field and a good communicator among the pack. I’m particularly looking forward to him bringing on the other exciting back-row players that we have brought together for the coming campaign.”

Clegg added of Shuttleworth: “He has done a tremendous job as captain over the last two seasons.

“Season 2006-07 was a testing one for everyone at the club but Shutt demonstrated a steely resolve and contributed massively to galvanising the squad and maintaining their focus on securing promotion back to National One at the first attempt.

“I’m looking forward to Ian being able to simply concentrate on playing while drawing all his National One experience to provide another leadership point on the field.”

Otley have arranged a pre-season friendly at home to Scottish club Watsonians on Saturday, August 16 (3.00).