FYLDE'S new director of rugby has unveiled the first stages of his plan to return the club to the higher reaches of league rugby.

Fylde start next season in National League Three after finishing bottom of National Two, but, with the club agreeing a deal which will see its debts cleared, optimism at the Woodlands is increasing.

Graham Smith says he is in negotiations with a number of new signings and has pledged to make an announcement within the next few weeks.

A rugby steering committee, consisting of Graham, Bill Beaumont, Steve Rigby, Allan Townsend and Mark Evans is also being set up.

Talks are also ongoing with Lancaster University and the University of Central Lancashire rugby clubs about helping them with coaching and giving playing opportunities to some of their promising players. The club has also announced a series of initiatives aimed at developing youth rugby across the area.

This includes a new academy for 16 to 18 year olds. At present, players who come through the successful mini-junior section had to move to other clubs or stick to schools rugby, but Fylde now hope to set up a production line of talent to the first team.

Smith has been in touch with more than 10 local schools and is setting up weekly coaching for players every Wednesday evening from June 18.

He also hopes to work with the RFU's North West development officer, Stuart Urquhart, to set up so called 'cluster coaching' with other local clubs such as Blackpool, Fleetwood and Thornton Cleveleys.

And the club also hopes to set up a tournament for the first teams of local schools, which is expected to take place in October.