AFTER two disastrous relegation seasons York will be looking to bring the glory days back to Clifton Park.

One of the men who figured in one of the most successful of all York's teams, David O'Byrne, plans to lead from the top.

He has taken over as club chairman from David Pearson, who is the new president, succeeding Jack Sinclair, who is now working in Africa.

Former scrum half Martyn Harrison is the new vice-chairman.

Sheffield-born O'Byrne, 47, firmly believes that coach Andy Gair's coaching methods will bear fruit in what is bound to be a competitive Yorkshire One division.

O'Byrne, who also played for Bingley and Cleckheaton, was a member of York's record-breaking team of 1982/83 and skippered the side two years later.

Derby games against Selby, Pocklington and Scarborough will all add plenty of spice to the campaign with York, led once more by Jeremy Clutton, keen to

show they are the area's top dogs.

York, who lacked experience and power in the pack last season, have received a double boost in that department this season.

Lee Denham, the former Otley, Leeds Tykes and Worcester back row forward has been recruited as player/assistant coach, while lineout specialist Dave Spanton is back in action after taking a year out.

In the backs, 24-year-old Australian centre Damon Smith will add slick hands and clever running although may not be available for the first few games until his cricket commitments with Easingwold are complete.

Other new faces in the backs include Weshman Mike Ford, who will contest the No 10 shirt with Craig Ventress, while speed merchant Ben Green has been recruited from RAF Linton.

York believe their fitness - which was a key factor in victory at West Leeds last Saturday, could tip several results their way this season.

"This has been a key feature of the York pre-season programme and was a very pleasing feature of the West Leeds game and it is one that we will be looking to develop further in the coming weeks," said Gair.

"The addition of a specialist fitness advisor to the back-up team at the club indicates the club's intention to develop the best structure for the playing of rugby in the area. The services being developed for our players will take the club onto another level in terms of preparation for the games to come."

Updated: 12:07 Wednesday, September 05, 2001