IT MAY take a little longer than expected but Blackburn captain Richard Spicer has set his sights on leading his team back to where they belong.

The club were hoping for a quick return to North Two West following relegation but those plans have had to be shelved for another season.

But Spicer, who took over as captain from Adam Smith midway through last season's ill-fated campaign, is determined to make sure the stay in North Lancs/Cumbria League is a brief one.

"The season started brightly for us and it did look like we could go straight back up," said the Hertfordshire-born hooker. "But a run of bad results and injuries has all but ended our promotion hopes. But I am determined to make sure we go up next time."

While Blackburn's season has now been left in limbo too far off the pace for promotion and enough points to avoid the drop Spicer admits plans are already under way for a concerted push next season.

"We have a very slim, outside chance of going up but only if all the results go in our favour. So realistically, we have to start looking towards next season. But we do have a good squad here and with more youngsters coming through the ranks and, with the addition of a few key players, then I am sure we can go up."

Blackburn have slipped to fourth from bottom of the league on the back of three straight defeats an alarming slide Spicer wants to halt against Oldham at Ramsgreave Drive on Saturday.

"This is the first time we have had a full squad to pick from for ages. So while Oldham are doing well we fancy our chances of winning and start climbing the table again."

Spicer swapped National League rugby at Preston Grasshoppers for Blackburn five season as ago and is loving his time up the M65.

"I was lucky enough to play a few games in National League Division Two at Preston and enjoyed my time there. But it came to the stage where I had to move on and I am loving my time at Blackburn.

"There is a great atmosphere and fantastic set-up at the club. All we need now is to go back up."

Spicer believes the club have the facilities good enough for a higher level now he is determined to make sure they have a team to go with it.