MARTIN Poste has told Northwich not to be afraid of aiming high and that targeting a place at a higher level is a realistic ambition.

The director of rugby, who has agreed terms on a new three-year deal with the Moss Farm-based outfit, has guided Blacks to third place in North One West in each of the past two seasons.

They missed out on a promotion play-off place by a single point this time around.

“I’ve one thing left I want to achieve,” he told members during the club’s annual prize night last week.

“And that’s to see Northwich playing national league rugby.

“I spoke with the same passion, because I wear my heart on my sleeve, during the AGM to make the same plea.

“We should be aspirational, and give the young boys making a step up from the colts a platform to show what they can do.

“It’s something we have to achieve ourselves though – nobody is going to hand it to us – and the way forward is for everybody to make a contribution.

"There are no guarantees, of course and, I've got to say it, we'll need to be a 'self-help' society.

“But when I hear whispers saying that we can’t afford to do it, or that it’s not possible, then that’s a shame.

“It’s also a risk to set limits on your possibilities; if you’re not ambitious, then you’re closer to the end.”

He announced that Chris Dale will take over as club captain from next season while his son, Matthew, leads the first team.

Joel Barber will be the scrum-half's deputy.

However that side won’t have influential centre James Reilly in it after he gave notice he is planning a switch to Sandbach.

The south Cheshire finished seventh in the Midlands Premier, one tier higher than Northwich, last season.

Meanwhile prop Tom King is returning to Chester, his former club after a single campaign with Blacks.

“Of course it’s bad news when you lose two lads of their quality,” said Poste.

“But I understand the reasons they’ve given for wanting to try something new.

"And if things don't work out, then there will always be a place for them here.

“We’re not feeling sorry for ourselves though, and we’re in conversations with four or five players with serious intent of improving the squad."