PREPARATIONS for the new rugby season at Birkenhead Park gather momentum as Park travel to Chester for a warm-up game on Saturday (3pm).

Park returned to action last Saturday with a squad match against a lively Leigh team who provided a worthwhile contest at the Upper Park.

Park have recruited a number of key players with considerable National League experience from Waterloo which should give Birkenhead a more competitive edge in their North 1 campaign which begins at Kendal on September 8.

Stand-off Tony Handley, who joined last season to help Park stave off relegation, has confirmed that he will continue despite interest from other clubs, and he was the catalyst for attracting a number of his former Waterloo colleagues.

Leading the new recruits is the vastly experienced stalwart Dave Blyth, who will considerably bolster the pack. Also moving to the Upper Park are flanker Njike Tchakoute, a Cameroon international, centres Gareth Davies and Gary Lunt and hooker Chris Jones, who returns to the Upper Park after three seasons at Blundellsands.

Moving in the other direction to Waterloo is Steven Dodd, who should do well on the national stage under the captaincy of another Park member, Martin O'Keefe.

Dave Ibbotson continues as skipper and Patrick McDonagh has returned to Park after spells with Widnes Rugby League and Liverpool St Helens and will feature in a new role in the three-quarters after switching from flanker.

Other players returning from local clubs include prop Andrew Crebbin and backs Robin Saverimutto and Shaun Ingram. Park will need a large squad this season, with the Wanderers having been promoted to the Bateman Premier League after a dispute with the League Committee was resolved.

It has been a very busy Summer off the pitch as well, with Park's new community function room and terrace now complete. Work is now underway on the new changing room block which should be complete during the season.

Park have joined the RFU Go Play Rugby initiative and are holding a fun day next Monday to launch their programme leading up to the World Cup. Park will also be operating an Academy system with teams being fielded at Junior Colts and Senior Colts levels for the first time.

Youth registration will take place from 10.30am on Sunday, September 2 - Park are looking for new recruits at Under-16 and Under-13 levels and for the mini rugby section. Anyone interested in joining should attend the club on September 2.