Home-boy Lea Tichener has rejoined York Wasps determined to re-establish himself on the Northern Ford Premiership scene.

The 29-year-old, who had played 99 times for the club in six years at Huntington Stadium, left in the close-season after disagreements with the old board of directors.

But he is now keen to leave those backroom troubles behind him and do the business where it matters - on the pitch.

"Being a York lad I would like to pull a York Wasps shirt back on," he told the Evening Press.

"I miss the game and I feel I can offer the club something."

After leaving the Wasps, the prop forward signed for York Acorn in the National Conference League but only made a handful of appearances for the amateur club.

"I had a few run-outs for them but when you still feel you can play at a better level it's a shame to drop down," he said.

"I had the chance to join (NFP clubs) Hunslet and Gateshead but being from York and not being keen on travelling far, I wanted to come back to the Wasps."

'Tich' started his career with Acorn, eventually joining the Wasps in 1994 from Bramley. Other than a brief stint in the amateur ranks with Heworth, he had been with the Wasps until his departure in September, which he admitted was not entirely rugby related.

He said he got mixed up in the 'politics' at Huntington Stadium, including the acrimonious departure of former coach Dean Robinson, who has since won a legal battle after claiming unfair dismissal by the club.

Updated: 09:10 Thursday, January 25, 2001