LYDNEY have appointed former England and Bath prop Duncan Bell as their head coach for next season.

The 37-year-old only retired from Premiership rugby last season.

It's been a strange summer at Regentsholme.

The club initially tried to bring in Pete Glanville as head coach but he was unable to commit to the job.

An exodus of players further dampened spirits, but the signing of Bell sends out a clear and upbeat message – write off Lydney at your peril.

Bell met some of the Lydney players for the first time on Tuesday night, but will be formally introduced to the rest of the squad next Tuesday.

He has agreed a one year contract and will also register himself as a player.

Next Tuesday, Lydney plan to announce details of a sponsorship deal with Premiere Nutrition, a sports supplement company.

The meetings will be followed by a training session with new strength and conditioning coach Jack Royle.

Team building days have been arranged for August 4 and 11.

Club chairman John Nelmes said: "Sometimes getting the right man takes time but this is a big step in the right direction.

"We've done a lot of work behind the scenes during the past few years and financially the club is back on an even keel."

See this week's Forester for full story