Whitehaven start their pre-season training programme tonight at the Recreation Ground.

It won’t be a heavy session to start with but player-coach Carl Forster will be laying down the ground rules, explaining what he expects of his squad.

Forster plans three sessions a week, while the players will be given their personal fitness programme to work on away from the club.

Director Mark Stamper said: “It’s a meet and greet and Fozzy will be talking of what his aims are this season and what the general game plan will be.

“I am sure he will get them out on the field as well to blow away a few cobwebs before getting down to the serious stuff.”

Stamper was at pains to point out that the squad is far from complete and Forster is talking every day to player and agents.

“The final squad will be around 21 or 22 players, smaller than last time because of budget restraints," he said.

“But the players Carl has his sights on are all very good and will be excellent recruits for the Whitehaven club.

“Sometimes things take a bit longer to finalise and that’s what is happening this winter."

Whitehaven have lost some experienced players with both Craig Calvert and Scott McAvoy retiring, and the likes of Elliott Miller, James Newton, Tommy Holland, Steve Roper and Paul Crook moving on.

“Those that are moving clubs we have enjoyed having them at the Recreation Ground and wish them all the best," Stamper said.

“That’s the nature of the game. They have decided it is in their best interests to move on and we understand that.

“In the case of Glenn Riley, it was purely because he wanted to play at Championship level.

“He has been ultra professional in his handling of the move to Barrow and has kept us informed all the way through. He said it was the most difficult decision of his career.

“We hope that we will also be able to offer Championship rugby in 2019.”

Haven will have between tonight and January 21 to prepare for the first of three warm-up matches ahead of the 2018 League One season.

“I think the three games against Swinton, Barrow and Workington will be really competitive warm-up matches and a good test for us ahead of the season which starts on February 18,” said Stamper.