ANDY Precious has warned the York Wasps fans not to expect miracles overnight at Huntington Stadium.

The watchword at the club seems to be patience, as new coach Leo Epifania only arrived from Australia a few weeks ago and several new players have only recently signed on.

And Precious - one of the longest-serving players at the club after joining from Hunslet in 1994 - agrees major improvements will be gradual rather than immediate.

"It takes time to gel and I think we can come on a lot, say after Christmas," he told the Evening Press.

"There are a few new players who have come in, while the coach hasn't been here that long. In these last couple of weeks things have been blending well, but it does take time.

"Pete Edwards coming back will be a big boost but we have a lot of young lads still learning the game. The likes of Pete and Carl Hall will bring experience to the team, which is something we lacked last year and which counts for a lot in this division."

York's aims, as with most Premiership clubs, is to get into the top nine, which would guarantee a play-off place - the winner of the play-offs are promoted if they meet Super League regulations - and a coveted spot in next season's National League division one.

Precious believes Wasps could scrape it. "On last year's performance and with the players we've got I would be looking at a mid-table finish as a realistic aim," said the hard-working forward.

"Anything more is a bonus, and if you do get into the play-offs then anything can happen. Anything will be better than last year, as the fans will know."

The Wasps begin the season with matches against Whitehaven, Barrow, Batley, Hunslet and Swinton before meeting the big boys in Oldham, Hull KR, Rochdale and Leigh.

And although agreeing Wasps are unlikely to be at their best immediately, Precious reckons they can still start the campaign well.

"I think we can pick up points against the likes of Whitehaven and Batley," he said.

"It's whether we perform to our potential and it'll be a case of who wants it the most.

"If we can then pick up a few points against the teams expected to be in the top four, that will be great. It's all to play for."

Precious, who missed most of last season after breaking his ankle in the first game of the campaign, added: "Personally I hope to stay fully fit, unlike last season, and perform well on a consistent basis."

The 31-year-old, meanwhile, had words of praise for new coach Leo Epifania. "He is good to work for," he said.

"I've never played under an Australian before but I'm impressed by what he's doing.

"We use the ball a lot more in training and things like that will hopefully help cut down on the handling errors, which was a big downfall last year."

Epifania has already underlined the need to build a good spirit within the club, and Precious, a product of amateur rugby in York, said: "Team spirit has never been a problem here.

"With there being so many local-based players we do tend to have a close-knit community. Hopefully this kind of spirit will put us in good stead."

Updated: 10:44 Saturday, December 01, 2001