ONE of the men behind Lancashire Lynx's current success is coach Steve Hampson.

Steve is a one of the new men at Deepdale this season and is so far inflicting a positive feel to the camp.

Working closely with Lynx manager Kevin Tamati, Steve works with his team on a regular basis.

"We train three or four nights a week and when were not training or playing I am thinking what we can do to improve," said Steve.

Former full back Steve joined the Deepdale side last year after an illustrious playing career which included 10 seasons with Wigan.

He looks back at those times as a tremendous learning curve for his new job.

"I had a great time at Central Park, working with great players such as Dean Bell and Shaun Edwards. The teamwork was fantastic and everyone learnt so much."

Now a coach Steve, who played 15 times for Great Britain, is working with his team the way in which two of the greatest coaches worked with him.

"While I was at Wigan I was lucky enough to be coached by Graham Lowe and then John Monie. Now John is back at Wigan I often talk to him for advice."

Although on a one year contract, Steve is confident that both he and his team have a good future ahead of them.

"We are starting to build something special here. I am starting to get the message across that everyone needs to work hard to gain success."

Steve, aged 36, may work and train his players very hard but he also likes the fun side of life and there is never a smile too far from his face.

He said: "I know the players want to enjoy themselves, and I don't mind that, but I also like to keep their minds focused on the job."

Steve is particularly interested in fitness and works on a part time basis for fitness firm Health PAC. He works with players from Lancashire Cricket Club and Sale Rugby Union. With Lynx riding high in the Second Division the signs look good. Although there is a long way to go, impressive away wins at Bramley, Batley and Workington already show a big improvement to last season's form.

Steve said: "Last season we only won one game away from home. If we can continue our good form then we can hopefully gain that much-needed promotion."

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