Blackpool Panthers have made their first big signing ahead of the new season - and they don't come much bigger than portly comic, Johnny Vegas!

Vegas, a fan of rugby league in general and his home-town club, St Helens, in particular, has been named as the club's new president at the invitation of chairman, John Chadwick.

And Vegas isn't the only new man at the Panthers helm.

Former Bradford Challenge Cup finalist and Scotland international Simon Knox has been named as the Panthers' new coach, taking over from Kevin Ashcroft, while Eddie Kilgannon, Gareth Jones, Eric Andrews, Jake Johnstone and Chris Ramsdale have all agreed to stay at the club for next season.