PONTYPOOL Rugby Club have received a massive boost with the news that Steve Jones is staying as head coach in charge of a new streamlined set-up.

And with most of last season's squad having re-signed, the club look set to launch a much stronger Welsh Premier Division challenge next season.

Because of the pressure he has been under in recent seasons, playing a big role in the club's revival after former chief Bob Jude's withdrawal and twice having to rebuild a side from scratch, Jones had contemplated stepping down.

But he has decided to continue alongside new backs coach Steve Cross (ex-Newbridge), defence coach Kevin Weaver and fitness coach David Smith but giving them all extra responsibility.

"I feel it is time for me to take a bit of a step backwards after so many years in charge," said Jones.

"I did find it hard last season, very hard, especially with the pressure of rebuilding the side.

"We were devastated when the club had to fight for its survival after what happened with Bob Jude and it was hard work for those left to pick up the pieces.

"I feel now is the right time to put a bit more responsibility on to others and to help them improve their coaching.

"I'd like to thank Nigel Callard (retiring backs coach) for his tremendous efforts. Because of his work (he is a police sergeant) he couldn't guarantee being with us every week and said he was willing to step down if someone came in full time.

"Steve Cross has worked hard to climb the tree as a coach and Pontypool is his home town and I think he will do well with us.

"We will all be hands-on coaches and we will be a team, all carrying the same weight.

"If you look at most top sides, they haven't got just one or two coaches but a team of coaches. That's the modern way because the game involves so much now."

Jones said 18 of last season's squad had re-signed with a squad of around 30 to be completed mainly with the addition of more young players plus an older hand or two.

"To do what we've done in the past two years has, I believe, been fantastic, because everything was going against us," added Jones.

"Most players have re-signed and although Cae Trayhern, Leighton Jones and Andrew Coombes (all playing in the Rod Snow testimonial game on Saturday) haven't' yet done so, they will be doing so and I don't envisage losing anyone.

"That's very gratifying as it was vital we kept these lads together to build from. They will become the elder statesmen in a young squad and can only improve.

"We have a lot of other young players coming through, including another good crop of youngsters out of youth, and these are the players clubs like Pontypool must develop to be successful."

Cross said: "I'm really quite excited to be joining Pontypool with a team of Pontypool people at the helm while I helped bring a number of the young squad through the youth system. I'm really looking forward to it."