Blaydon are currently fifth bottom, and will probably only need one more win out of the last three games, to ensure that it will be three Midlands clubs and one North club that are relegated. That would suit us.

They play Halifax at home this week and then are away to Tynedale and Scunthorpe - with that last match their best chance of the win.

Rod says: "I've been helping out with their backs and I've promised them I'll stay on till the end of the season. If they stay up then it will help both clubs."

Maclure is in demand. The fifty one year marketing and sales manager manages to fit in his hectic rugby life with working in Crewe, at the Bentley car factory no less, for a large part of the week.

He is originally from Manchester and played Union with Prestwich, as a fly half, centre and then back row, before joining League club Rochdale Hornets as a semi-pro.

That career ended when he broke a leg and he moved to the Durham area because of his work. He has a daughter in addition to son Gareth who is now back in favour with Newcastle Falcons.

Rod is in touch with John Stabler and is hoping to be on the touchline to cheer West on at Huddersfield - but that depends on whether his nephew's stag weekend in Barcelona goes ahead!

Rod will be assisted by Keith Lupton. Keith has been involved with both West and Tech and, as he lives in the town, he'll be the man on the ground while Rod is working on the other side of the Pennines.

Rod says: "Fortunately I can fit in coaching sessions twice a week - it just means I spend a bit of time in the car. It's never been a problem especially with Keith back in Hartlepool to help with the nitty gritty."