A WARM welcome to the Wasps' two new 'signings' this week, who have brought the feelgood factor back to Huntington Stadium.

Coach Dean Robinson has finally landed Leeds Tykes' centre or winger Diccon Edwards who will go some way to compensating for the loss of the injured Leroy McKenzie.

And away from the action, the board has added local businessman Richard Collier to its ranks. Just as fresh blood is needed on the field occasionally to spark new life into a team, it is also welcome in the boardroom to bring in fresh ideas and look at issues from a different perspective.

Collier, owner of Collier Plant Hire, seems the ideal man for the job and has already demonstrated his commitment to the club by putting up some of the cash to help pay players' wages last month.

A long term supporter and sponsor, he obviously has great belief in the future of York Wasps and he will no doubt make a significant contribution to that future.

It will be interesting to see if his arrival sparks further additions to the board this season.As for Edwards, he is certain to increase competition among the backs and his experience could prove vital during the end of season run-in.

Robinson is desperate to strengthen his squad and was delighted to clinch the signing of Edwards who he had been tracking for some time. He had also been hoping to snap up Edwards' Tykes team-mate, South African back rower Tim Fourie, but he has now joined Dewsbury Rams.

There are still more irons in the fire for Robinson though, and he could be on the verge of announcing another signing.

With last month's financial concerns now behind them, these are exciting times again for the Wasps - half the season gone, and still in the top five.

The new additions to the camp could be just what the Wasps need to ensure that momentum continues to the play-offs.

WHAT a superb professional Garry Schofield is. Not only did he present some of the awards at Acorn's presentation night last week but he took the time to make a wonderful speech praising Acorn and wishing them good luck for the future.

And rather than just showing his face for 10 minutes, the former Great Britain star and his girlfriend stayed until near the end of the evening, enjoying the hospitality and even strutting their stuff on the dance floor.

These kind of events can seem like a chore to some stars but Schofield seemed to genuinely enjoy himself, and the effort he made was appreciated by everybody at the club. A true pro.

Several Wasps players also turned out in support. Acorn old boy Darren Callaghan was joined by Fata Sini who presented some of awards, Lea Tichener, Chris Hopcutt and Peter Edwards, while others attended some of Acorn's junior presentations.

How refreshing to see the amateur and professional games in such harmony.

FORMER York Wasp Steve Crooks has found himself in charge of Hull Sharks in the most traumatic circumstances.

After losing 11 of their opening 12 Super League games, the Sharks sacked coach Peter Walsh during the week and left assistant Crooks in control of first team affairs.

He faces an awesome task to lift Hull for their visit to relegation rivals Salford tomorrow.

The Sharks were awful against Castleford last week and Crooks' only consolation is that it can't get any worse. A couple of victories could even put Crooks in the running for the job on a permanent basis, though after such a dreadful few months the only answer may be a complete overhaul of staff from top to bottom.

ANOTHER ex-Wasp, Garry Atkins, is proving he has lost none of his skills in the Rhodes Haulage Interworks tournament.

He was outstanding for Guildford Construction in their semi-final demolition of Beeswing and will be hoping to go even better in Monday's final against Acorn (kick-off 11am).

Perhaps Atkins, who at one stage was hoping to join up with the Wasps again this season, was inspired by the Guildford kit which is the one the Wasps used in the early part of this season.

AN excellent night was had by all at the charity bowling event at Clifton Park's Megabowl to raise money for the family of the late ex-York player Paul White. Around £300 was raised through the bowling and a raffle and organisers are still waiting for more cheques to come in.

There was a fine turnout from the Wasps, plus a contingent from White's other former team, Hunslet, and the only disappointing factor was the lack of York City players.

Andy McMillan and former Minsterman Gary Himsworth were their only representatives, but they have agreed to play a few games at Megabowl at a later date to boost the fund. There are now plans to host another bowling night in the near future.

A CABARET dinner takes place on Friday, June 11, to raise funds for the Wasps. It is being held at Hudson's Hotel at Bootham and features two leading artists, singer Julie Bright and comedy impressionist Mark Baylin, both from Leeds.

The start time is 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets are £20 each and tables are available for any number from four to 10. Places are limited to 90. Contact Derek Blackham at the club on 634636.

YORK Wasps Supporters Club still have places available on the coach to Barrow next Sunday. Cost is £10 per person, leaving Huntington Stadium at 9am. For details call Ann Garvey on 01759 380298.

Meanwhile, the Supporters Club's all-inclusive trip to next year's Challenge Cup final at Murrayfield is now full.

SKIPPER John Strange and prop Lea Tichener are forging out a new career - in the world of modelling. The Wasps may face a fight to hang on to the pair as offers from the likes of Calvin Klein and Armani are sure to start rolling in following their efforts in an Evening Press photo shoot. To check out York's new super models, see the Weekender section of today's Press.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.