THE new chairman of Helensburgh Rugby Club says he’s looking forward to a fresh start for the club, both on and off the pitch, after a difficult last few seasons.

The Grizzlies were relegated to Tennent’s West Regional Division 2 at the end of a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.

But David King, who has taken over for a second spell as the club’s chairman, says he believes playing at a lower level could be a good thing for the club.

“We’ve had a really difficult last couple of seasons due to player numbers and injuries,” King said.

“I stood down as chairman a couple of years ago for business reasons and personal circumstances, but when I saw the commitment of our players last season, despite losing week in week out, I thought ‘if these guys can put in that kind of effort surely I can do something’.”

Burgh stalwart David Calderwood will coach the team for a second season, while the experienced Cammy Kerr has been appointed as captain for a campaign which begins with a tough West Regional Shield tie against a Strathendrick team who won West 2 as champions last season.

“It’s been very hard to remain positive through a very difficult couple of seasons,” King continued, “but the players have always hoped we can get better, and I see our relegation as a really positive thing.

“It’s a chance to regroup, start afresh and hopefully give the boys more to be positive about than they’ve had in the past couple of years.

“It’s going to be a very hard and physical league – nobody’s eyes are closed to that fact – but Cammy is a fantastic guy and a great leader.