BRAD Crellin starts a new chapter in his rugby league career with his appointment as head coach at Conference side Millom.
The former Barrow Raiders stalwart has hung up his boots to take another path with the Woolybacks the oldest Amateur club in the world – the club recently celebrated its 175th anniversary.
Millom were promoted to the second division of the Conference and join fellow Cumbrians Barrow Island and Ellenborough as the season gets underway tomorrow with a trip to Wigan St Jude’s.
Crellin, who started his career at Devonshire Road before plying his trade at Whitehaven and Barrow is excited by the challenge ahead.
He said: “ I am really looking forward to coaching Millom, my first position as head coach.
“Millom are a well-known club with a big history, and it is an honour to take over from Tom Sibley.
“I have a good team around me with the likes of former Raider Nathan Mossop, so I have experienced lads which is good.”
Millom are without Rio McQuiston and Jack Newbiggin who have jetted down under to join Tulley Tigers, while Kian McPherson has joined the paid ranks at Workington Town.
A massive miss for the Woolybacks is Ethan Kelly, who is taking time out due to work and family commitments, while brother Dane is regaining fitness following a knee and ankle injury.
Rio Walker is in the squad, the teenager was with Barrow Island under-18s last season, while set to make his Conference debut is another teenager Kai Williams.
Barrow Island travel up the coast to take on newcomers Ellenborough Rangers and set to make his Conference debut is former Walney player Jordan Staffieri.
Also in the 17-man squad is Furness Raider Oli Holmes while Elliot Campbell makes his return to the fold.
Coach Jamie Curtis said: “I am really excited to have Jordan (Staffieri ) on board. He is a good all-round player who will pack down with the number 13 number on his back.
“Dan Wright is rated 50-50 while Aaron Low who has returned to Rating Lane is out injured.
“We have had several players injured and hopefully several will be back in contention shortly.”
The Barrow and district season gets underway tonight with all teams competing in the Frank Reid six-a-side competition.
The contest which will run for several weeks commences at Fallowfield Park at 7.30pm with Ulverston taking on Roose Pioneers, and Barrow Island facing Millom.
At 8pm Hindpool take on Walney, while Dalton meet Ulverston at 8.30pm. Barrow Island face Hindpool, while Roose Pioneers meet Millom. The final game sees Walney take on Dalton at 9pm.