OUTGOING boss Leigh Paul-Rientoul has backed his successor at York Acorn to help the team push for promotion back to the elite tier of amateur rugby league.

Paul-Rientoul stood down as head coach this off-season, after two and a half years in the role.

Josh Mortimer, the 'A' team coach and former first-team player, has now taken the reins, assisted by veteran prop Nic Caldwell, with their first competitive game in charge being the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup first-round tie at home to Beverley on January 26.

And, while the former, at the age of 26, will be one of the youngest bosses in the National Conference League, Paul-Rientoul reckons he could have a positive influence as they seek a return to the premier division.

"Josh has got some great ideas," said Paul-Rientoul, whose team finished mid-table in division one this year. "I think he got frustrated with the 'A' team with the commitment of players but that will hopefully be different with the first team.

"I wish him all the best. He can make a difference and Nic has got bags of experience of the amateur game.

"I think the two of them will work well with their ideas and enthusiasm and hopefully they can have a good season and push for promotion."

Stuart Garrington will continue as fitness and conditioning coach.

Paul-Rientoul, meanwhile, was initially to take a new director of rugby role at Acorn but has now left the club completely, although he will continue his work with York & District ARL, Yorkshire and BARLA. He has been county coach and was BARLA Great Britain assistant-coach on their recent tour to Fiji.

He explained: "I've had to give up (the director of rugby role) because of time constraints. I've joined the Army Reserves and have family commitments with three kids at home.

"I've been really privileged to be Acorn coach. I signed for the club (as a junior player) 25 years ago. It's been a big part of my life and to coach the first team at my age has been a massive honour.

"I've left on good terms and you never know about the future. When Army training is out of the way I might have more time to commit."

The Challenge Cup first round draw took place over the weekend, with Acorn paired with Beverley, who were promoted from division three in their first season in the NCL after joining from the Yorkshire Men's League.

Also in the hat were Red Star Belgrade, making history as the first club from Serbia to take part in the competition. They have been drawn away to Cumbrian side Millom.