Tigers already preparing for new campaign

2:52pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

RUGBY UNION: FOUR players have already put pen to paper for next season, as Sedgley Tigers look to build a squad that will produce entertaining rugby and ensure National Division one survival - again.

Lock Glen Townson, hooker Jonny Roddam, linch-pin Phil Jones and former Scotland centre Andy Craig have all signed on the dotted line for another Park Lane campaign.

"Names will be announced as and when players put pen to paper," said Tigers' manager, Geoff Roberts.

Former England A fly-half Jones was the club's top points scorer last season with 225 - 35 conversions, 43 penalties, two drop goals and four tries. His tally also saw him finish the division's fourth highest points scorer and third best kicker.

Roberts continued: "We are delighted he's back and in turn he's keen to get a good pre-season under his belt as last time he underwent an operation and missed the first six weeks.

"He'll always attract interest from other clubs but he enjoys playing here and is happy to return."

However, definitely out is backs coach Andy Northey: "We are currently considering our options regarding a backs coach following Andy's departure," said Roberts.

"We would like to thank him for all his efforts over the past three seasons and wish him all the best for the future. As far as a replacement is concerned we are looking internally at one or two of the senior players."

A sneak preview of next season's fixtures sees the Tigers open with a home game against the Rotherham Titans on Saturday, August 30, the team they beat to stay up. The fixture should also see an early return for former Tigers Jon Skurr and Chris Briers, who recently joined the Titans.

The following week (Saturday, September 6) sees the new season's first derby when the Tigers visit Grove Park to take on promoted Manchester. London Welsh are then scheduled to visit Park Lane on Saturday, September 13, with the opening month rounded off with a trip to Nottingham.

These dates are as yet provisional and as soon as the confirmed fixture list is announced it will be published here.

Shakers News