The new Pennine League season starts on Saturday, and with a number of teams having appointed new coaches, it promises to be an interesting season.

For example, former Bradford Northern colt Leigh Beattie joins forces with Mark Dunning and Elliot Whitehead to spearhead West Bowling ’s Championship Division campaign.

Old boys Duane Nelson and Richard Lumb make a welcome return for the game against Keighley , while Liam Martin also makes a comeback after a spell in Australia.

Sixteen-year-old Max Trueman looks set to make his debut at full back.

Simon Mitchell is in the hot seat at Bank Top Harriers as they face rivals King Cross Park in their opener.

Prop Stevie Richardson has signed from Wyke , while Tom Greenwood returns to the club along with Finn Lamont, who has been on international duty with Scotland. Adam Mitchell and Carl Brian start at half-back.

Jason Hirst is the new coach at Wibsey following Rob Hustler’s retirement at the end of last season.

Hirst will be well prepared for their assault on the Premier Division this term but will have to wait another week before they get going with a tricky test at Thornhill Trojans.

Queensbury kick-off their campaign with a difficult trip to near-neighbours Halifax Irish. Bury are looking again at youth, with the first-team squad welcoming 17-year-olds Sam Cheeney and Billy Naylor.

In Division One, Birkenshaw also have a new coach following Hirst’s decision to take the reins at Wibsey.

Johnny Bruce has been appointed as the man to lead Birky’s promotion challenge and, given that Bruce is no stranger to Pennine League rugby, his experience is sure to be a huge inspiration.

In Division Two, Wyke’s new man is Ian Wormald, who takes over following the departure of Nigel Briggs.

Wormald comes armed with plenty of experience, having played with Wyke for a number of years, as well as neighbours West Bowling.

Wyke get underway with a home match at the Rec, with Emley Moor the visitors.

It's all change at Clayton as Darren Collins takes over the helm from Scott Pendlebury.

Collins knows the club well and is ideally suited to take charge, no doubt ably assisted by Pendlebury, who will continue to pull on the Clayton jersey.