Ilkley have appointed experienced player Ollie Renton as their new forwards coach.

He will be head coach Rhys Morgan’s right-hand man as the Stacks Field club bids to win promotion from Yorkshire Div- ision One.

Renton, who joined the club 12 months ago from Wharfedale, will have a key input into the preparation of the team.

Morgan said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Ollie because he is a player with a lot of experience and ideas.

“Since Neil Spence left at the start of the season we have been looking for the right person.

“We had other people apply but they did not measure up for the job like Ollie does.

“We know him and he knows us and that is a good starting point,”

Morgan is hoping that Renton, who was an influential figure in last Saturday’s 22-17 win at Wath which ended a run of three defeats, will bring fresh ideas to the table.

“I saw at training this week the enthusiasm that Ollie has and that will rub off on others.”

He added: “I have been anxious in recent weeks that we haven’t quite had the right spirit.

“I have spoken about having a smile on our faces and I am sure that Ollie can help us achieve it.”

Morgan was delighted with his side’s performance at Wath and though this Saturday’s friendly at home to Keighley has been called off because their opponents do not have enough fit players, the Ilkley coach is happy for his squad to take a break.

“After losing those three games on the trot it was nice to sign off for Christmas with a good win, he said.

“I felt the victory was more convincing than the scoreline suggests. We played some good rugby and it was nice to see the backs getting back on the scoresheet.

“Craig Barker had an outstanding game in the centre and I was pleased to with the strong performance from scrum half Tom Collard.”

He added: “With the pack going well we were able to play the game in the right area.

“It was also significant that we had players back in their best positions rather than having people filling in by playing unfamiliar roles.

“I am sure it was a big help and I hope we can show the same form when Driffield come to Stacks Field on January 5.”