John-Paul Brocklebank has returned to his roots – taking over the reins as player/coach at Egremont Rangers.

Brocklebank, who spent the last two seasons with Whitehaven, says he wants to bring success back to Gillfoot Park.

And he has left the Recreation Ground on good terms, wishing the current crop of Haven players luck for League One next term.

On his time with Whitehaven, he said: “I loved it, I was just unlucky with injuries.

“There were good players at Whitehaven, but it is hard to compete with the likes of Leigh and Bradford with such a resource gap between the top and bottom clubs.

“The fans were brilliant, especially the small band that travelled everywhere with us.

“I really do wish Whitehaven RL all the very best. They deserve success, but now it’s time for Egremont Rangers to see some success.

“I want to bring on the youth so that we can compete with the very best in the country.”

Egremont spokesman Alan Bewsher says the club is delighted to welcome back the talented former BARLA international.

“I am delighted to have persuaded one of our finest players back to the club,” said Bewsher.

“John-Paul is looking forward to passing on what he learned during his time at Whitehaven.”

And Brocklebank won’t be alone in his first coaching role – he will have plenty of experience in his backroom staff.

Bewsher added: “Paul Henson will be helping out with coaching along with John Brocklebank Senior in support.

“And I am delighted that John Wells and Dean Laverick will continue as the A-team coaches.”

Brocklebank says he can’t wait to get back into training and set the new National Conference season off with Egremont. But he is very clear where he wants the club to be.

“It will be good to reunite with old friends but things are different now as I will be in charge,” he added. “We all want this club to be out of the relegation battle and back in the upper half of the table.

“The players’ attitude will decide where we finish, not me – it is up to them to listen and learn.

“I am excited to come back home and I am hoping to avoid injury and have better luck that way.

“My first job is to sort training out and see how we can make it interesting, but challenging.

“We start on January 3 and all newcomers are welcome. Home games are a priority and with three West Cumbria teams in this league we should all make the most of Yorkshire and Lancashire clubs having to travel here three times a year.”