Returning club record try-scorer Craig Calvert offered to pull on his boots again because he didn't want to see Haven struggle - despite not touching a rugby ball since September.

Injuries and financial difficulties have left player-coach Carl Forster battling for promotion from League One with a thin squad.

But, last Friday, he beat the signing deadline to bring in five players - Calvert, Carl Sice, drop goal hero Steven Roper and amateurs Jordan Thompson and Jordan Herve.

Calvert, 34, had stepped down after last season's play-off final defeat to Barrow.

"They've been short of numbers and I didn't want to see the club struggle," he said. "I played for the club for 13 years so I didn't want to see them struggle."

His former teammate Scott McAvoy has also stepped out of retirement to help out Forster's side this season, and Calvert could play a similar role

"I said I would sign on and if they need me I'll play. I wanted to give them that option. I'll start training this week and get a feel for it.

"If they want me to pass on advice to the younger lads that's perfectly fine but I'll probably have to get them to help me out!"

Calvert offered his services to the club's directors, who weren't sure if he was serious.

He said: "To be honest I hadn't really been missing it, I've enjoyed watching the game. I was down last week and I mentioned to the directors if they need me I would play.

"I think they thought I was taking the Mick. Foz [Carl Forster] text me asking if I was serious.

"I've not touched a rugby ball since September."

Sice, 38, who was a teammate of Calvert when Haven won the 2005 National League Leaders Shield, has also re-signed.

"I was laughing when he offered to play," said Calvert. "He's been out the professional game for four or five years now and I don't think he's played for Kells for a couple of years.

"It'll be quite a laugh if us two end up playing together again.

"I've missed the crack, it's a big part of being involved in the game."

Steven Roper, who kicked the winning drop goal in last season's play-off semi final, has returned to Haven on loan from North Wales Crusaders.

Hensingham captain Jordan Thompson, a utility forward, and Kells' Jordan Herve have also joined the club.