“I’VE bought some new boots – that’s how excited I am!”

Martin Poste thought his rugby career was over, then he answered a call from Northwich who had just finished third in South Lancs/Cheshire Division One.

The year before, Blacks lost a dramatic promotion play-off at Bolton in the last minute.

They are confident the former Harlequins assistant coach can help them make it third time lucky as they seek a return to a level they were demoted from in 2013.

“It’s an unusual one,” said Poste, who takes over as director of rugby.

“Clubs usually dial your number when they’ve been relegated or are bottom of the table.

“That’s not the case at Northwich. My brief is to turn a competitive league side into one that can have a tilt at promotion.”

And he’s wasted no time adding to a squad he feels lacks depth.

Poste’s son Matthew, a friend of Northwich stalwart Chris Dale, was the first to sign.

Fly-half Jimmy Riley and centre Tom Bell are on board too, with half-a-dozen more expected to follow them to Moss Farm.

Off the field, Mike Penny has returned to assist with coaching.

Poste said: “I’m not about picking teams by committee. Conference? Yes absolutely – that’s why people like Chris [Dale] and Sam Naylor junior are so important.

“But if my head is going to be on the block, I want control over selection.

“I made it clear I’m not coming here to crack a lot of eggs.

“They’ve had two seasons of relative success, so that’s not necessary.”

Blacks completed their preparations for Saturday’s campaign curtain-raiser at home to Winnington Park by losing 29-15 against Crewe & Nantwich in the Cheshire RFU Vase.

Robin Houghton and James Underhill touched down, the latter adding a conversion, while Richard Dale kicked a penalty.

They led entering the contest’s final quarter.

Poste said: “We made silly mistakes, and they were costly.

“But I’m optimistic.

“We sent somebody over the fence to watch Winnington play, and I’m sure they did the same.

“Let’s hope our guy saw more of their real side than they did of ours!

“We want to start quickly, avoiding this slow start Northwich have that I’ve been told about.

“A derby game should focus minds on avoiding that. It’s a game that’s there to be won, and that’s what we’ll try to do.”