MARTIN Poste will continue a job he has started at Northwich Rugby Club after a agreeing a new two-year deal.

The director of rugby guided Blacks to promotion as champions from South Lancs/Cheshire Division One last season, finishing 20 points clear of second-placed West Park after a 21-game winning run.

Their reward is a return to level six of the Rugby Football Union’s league structure three years after they were relegated.

“It’s one of the easier decisions we’ve had to make,” said Ron McLaverty, chairman of the Moss Farm-based outfit, told the Guardian.

“Martin took us further in his first season than we’d planned, which proves that his methods work.

“He’s coached at a higher level than we’ve ever played at, and we were right to give him his head.”

The arrangement with Poste includes an option to extend for a third season.

He has been tasked with an overhaul of the club’s coaching structure, taking into account all senior, junior and ladies’ teams, in addition to his first-team responsibilities.

McLaverty said: “We have a set-up that’s higgledy-piggledy in parts, and want Martin to implement his philosophy throughout the club.

“He’s agreed to oversee that.

“That’s not something that he’ll pull together overnight, and he will appoint who he feels is best to help him.”

Northwich have confirmed too that vice-chairman Rollo Hawkins stood down at last month’s annual meeting, citing increased work commitments.

The club’s senior section host their annual prize night tomorrow, Saturday, at Moss Farm, from 7.30pm.