NEW Ebbw Vale coach Alex Codling (pictured) is confident he can allay players' concerns and get them to buy into his vision for the game.

The once-capped England lock, forced to retire early through injury and initially on contract until the end of the season, also promises no sudden changes either on the coaching or playing side.

"My first aim when I meet the players (for the first time tonight) is to get to know them and lay out my thoughts on the game.

"I've seen the last two matches (wins over Pontypool and Newport) and I'm just looking to carry on the good work of the outgoing coaches and maintain confidence. I'll tinker with certain things in the future but the time of the season stops anyone from making major changes and it's probably not necessary the way they've been playing.

"So I'm looking forward to getting the track suit on, getting stuck in and bringing some fresh ideas and a new voice.

"I'll absolutely not be moving players out or bringing players in. We've got a quality squad and my mandate is to get them performing on a consistent basis."

Commenting on some criticism of his appointment as a 32-year-old Englishman with no senior club experience, Codling added: "In the last four years I've done a lot of coaching both with the RFU, working specifically on the set piece and contact skills, at regional level and with England for last year's Autumn internationals.

"I've done ten years as a professional, playing in Wales and France as well as eight years in the Zurich Premiership. Ebbw Vale is my first role as a club coach but I have a wealth of experience from junior to international level. I think I have a good understanding and knowledge of Welsh rugby and I'm just looking to make my own mark, get the best out of the players and not worry about external factors.

"I have no favouritism and no agenda. My whole interest is Ebbw Vale. I'm incredibly passionate about the game and I'm sure the boys will jump on board with the vision I have."