POCKLINGTON begin pre-season training tonight with a new skipper and vice-captain in charge for the coming season.

The club will be training every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer, with Matt Atkinson and Guy Wilson ready to lead the side forward on the field.

Back-rower Atkinson, 28, is a former Huddersfield player, who graduated through the famed Pocklington School ranks and returned home three seasons ago. He impressed the club of his credentials having skippered the club on a number of occasions last season in the absence of Darren Smith.

His right-hand man, Wilson, 25, came through the junior ranks at Orrell and has a Lancashire Colts cap to his name. After a couple of seasons out, the tough-tackling centre, who pounds the beat as a North Yorkshire policeman, returned to the game with Pock after crossing the Pennines through work.

Also joining the club will be Holme-on-Spalding Moor's Adam Lakin, who steps up to become first team manager.

All current players and prospective new players are welcome along to join in the sessions, with plans all ready in place for a weekend training camp at Wakefield at the end of this month under the direction of Mick Watson.

Anyone who requires further information about training or the coming season, should contact Lakin on (01430) 861396 or (07980) 403438.

Updated: 09:52 Tuesday, July 08, 2003