Last updated at 12:05, Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Lee Doran will be welcomed back in to the fold at Whitehaven next season – but not as a coach.

Lee Doran

The big back-rower was an assistant coach last term under Don Gailer, but new boss Dave Woods wants him to focus on his playing role.

“I had a good chat with him on the phone and he was really positive and excited,” Woods said. “I told him what I’m doing and he said he’s really looking forward to it.”

Doran, who featured in all but two matches last term, led Monday night training sessions in Lancashire for Haven’s large contingent from that county. But Woods wants all his essions held in Whitehaven, with every player in attendance.

Ex-Widnes forward Doran has extensive experience in the second tier, and Woods reckons that could pay dividends next term.

“He’s another who could help the young blokes out,” added Woods, who plans to launch pre-season training in the second week of November, when he will run tests on his players. Those whose fitness levels are up to scratch will be given the week off.

“The rest will be in an ‘elite performance camp’ and train that week,” continued the coach, who has been impressed with the attitude of all the current Haven players with who he has so far held talks. They want to put the year behind them, get stuck in and show what they can do.”

First published at 11:41, Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk