Rod and Keith ran the highly successful Colts side which has produced players like Sammy Hutton, Allan Milne, Paul Rudd and Carlo Robinson. They also have experience at Mowden Park and Blaydon.

In fact, it was Sammy Hutton who first suggested that Rod would make be the ideal choice to follow Stabs.

Stabs has met up with Maclure and has promised every support and the First XV players have also welcomed the appointment.

Club Chairman Ron Greig says: "We have been talking to Rod and Keith for several weeks and we are absolutely delighted that they have agreed to join us.

"Stabs will be a hard act to follow but we feel sure that we have made the right choice to take the club forward.

"Rod is the only person we have talked to. He was recommended by a number of the present players who have been coached by him before and we respect their opinion."

Maclure and Lupton first teamed up when young Gareth began playing for West Colts. They were lured to Blaydon to launch a Development Side, which won eight trophies in two years, before going to Mowden to run the first team last season....a relationship which lasted only a few matches after "differences of opinion."

Keith Lupton said today: "Rod has always wanted to get involved again at West and the club will be getting someone who is passionate about playing rugby the right way, and who is forthright in his views and expects the same back.

"He doesn't hold back in the dressing room if he is unhappy but, once he has said his piece, he expects everyone to roll up their sleeves and work to put problems right.

"We have watched the side a fair bit this season and the first thing to say is that Rod wants all of the players involved now to be involved next season.