BLACKBURN Hawks begin their Northern Premier League season with a trip to Kirkcaldy to take on Fife Flyers on Saturday, September 14.

And Irish newcomers Castlereagh are the first visitors to the Arena 24 hours later. Hawks' first return trip to Northern Ireland comes on October 27 with further visits to the province on November 30 and December 28.

With just seven teams in the league, Hawks and Whitley Bay are the only English representatives with four sides from north of the border in Scotland. The regular 26-match season ends in mid-February.

Another Scottish team, superleague Ayr, have snapped up Ryan Kummu, Hawks' player-coach from last season. The tough Canadian steered Blackburn into runners-up spot in the British League First Division last season, but indicated his desire to return to the rank-and-file playing ranks at top level at the end of Hawks' doomed play-off campaign.

"We wish Ryan every success," said Cockayne, "he did a great job here and became a firm favourite among the fans. He also became a personal friend and I eep in touch with him as we have launched a business venture together.

"But that erea's in the past now and we have a new season to look forward to. The first game can't come quickly enough. We will have some new faces here soon."

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