Anthony Cadman is looking forward to the challenge of captaining Ilkley Rugby Union Club and he is urging his side to find the consistency that eluded them last season.

The former Otley stand-off, who has been handed the reins of the Yorkshire Division Two club just 12 months after joining the club, is currently finalising preparations with club coach John Atkinson for the new campaign.

And he is determined that the new season doesn't follow a similar path to the last one. "We had a good start but tailed off really badly in the latter part." he said. "We hope to get off to a good start and maintain that throughout this time.

"The first two fixtures are tough ones, away at Ripon and new boys Heath, before we get a game at Stacks Field against Beverley."

Ilkley's followers are anxious for more success but Cadman stops short of predicting league championship or Yorkshire Shield glory.

"I'll be doing my utmost to ensure we can win something and so will all the players and coaches, but it would be silly to be over optimistic," he cautioned.

Ilkey's division is renowned for being highly competitive and hard to predict. "People that have watched the club over the years tell me that, apparently, you never know in this league." added Cadman.

"It depends on the other clubs in it and what they have done in terms of team strengthening or indeed losing players.

"I'm glad to say we haven't lost any players in the close season, in fact we should have a substantial net gain. It's always difficult to be sure until everyone finishes their summer activities - holidays, cricket etc etc.

"There are half a dozen or so new faces at training already. There are others still to come. To be honest we'd really like to beef up and have a greater choice in the front five, and indeed players to strengthen depth in all positions would be made more than welcome."

Cadman has no regrets about opting to join Ilkley when he took up a teaching position at Woodhouse Grove School where he first established himself as a player of quality during his time there as a pupil.

He was part of one of the most successful school sides that Grove have ever produced and was a team-mate there of current Ilkley hooker Stuart Nesbit.

He went on to university and played for Otley in a number of successful seasons before going across the Pennines to work.

The challenge of playing at Ilkley appealed to him on his return to West Yorkshire. He said: "I was not at the peak of my playing career but knew I still had a few good seasons left in me.

"Other clubs higher up the league structure had expressed an interest but the level of rugby and commitment required at Ilkley really suited my life style.

"Playing at a higher level makes a huge impact on your life. The lads here are just as committed as those at clubs at higher levels.

"It is just that the demands of rugby on your life are not as great. Yes, we train twice a week and are expected to keep ourselves fit.

"We play a very high standard of rugby in a fiercely competitive league but at least we are home every Saturday at a reasonable hour. We never travel outside Yorkshire. It suits my teaching commitments and suits my wife as well!"

Cadman is delighted with the attitude of the players under his command. "There's a great set of lads for a start. They are all fantastically enthusiastic and put their all into training and playing. I hope to increase training attendances as the season gets nearer.

"The club itself is a proper rugby club. It's almost entirely run by volunteers who work hard in the summer to get the place spic and span. There's always a good atmosphere in the bar after the game and we get a good travelling support. The main thing is the camaraderie amongst the players at all levels, they are a great crowd of lads.

"I can tell you it's not what people believe about rugby! There are no chequebooks being waved, no brown envelopes. In fact we pay -- £3.50 a game actually -- to play! The club does try to compensate players who travel distances for their travel expenses. There is a physio on hand both on training nights and match days. We get our playing kit provided and laundered.

"The club throw in a few pints of beer, especially if we've won but that's about it. It really is about recreation and enjoying it that matters here. The success of the 1st XV is important to the club but it's not a life or death issue."