CELTIC Crusaders’ highly impressive new coaching regime of Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Jon Sharp are urging the people of Gwent to get behind the club.

The trio were unveiled at the Twenty Ten course at the Celtic Manor Resort which hosts the 2010 Ryder Cup.

And just as holding one of the world’s premier sporting events is a watershed for Newport, this triumvirate have their own ambitious plans in the city.

The aim is to get rugby lovers from both codes on side and turn Rodney Parade into a fortress.

Where the money will come from to buy a team to do so is still a mystery but Noble & Co insist the Crusaders’ recruitment drive will ensure they are “competitive” in next year’s Super League.

Everyone was incredibly coy when the subject of budget was broached. But as a public relations exercise, things went exceptionally well yesterday.

They all said the right things – how a thriving youth policy is high on the agenda, how union and league can co-exist in perfect harmony and take root in South Wales etc – and the talk of ushering in a new dawn on a glorious autumn day bathed in sunshine seemed all the more poignant.

Not a word was uttered about Crusaders’ founding father John Dixon. The king is dead as they say.

If anyone can turn things around for the Crusaders after a disastrous first year in Super League – three wins and 24 defeats the sorry stats – it must be head coach Noble, his former Great Britain assistant Sharp, who is first team coach, and dual code great and new Wales boss Harris, appointed assistant coach.

The 48-year-old Noble brings to the Crusaders an impressive pedigree he earned both on and off the field.

An ex-Great Britain captain, after hanging up his boots in 1995, he went on to steer Bradford Bulls to three Super League titles, three World Club Championships and a Challenge Cup final win.

In 2004, he became Great Britain coach and led the Lions to their first tournament win over Australia in 31 years, topping the Tri-Nations table.

He said: “I hope people will support us because we have a chance of creating something very special – there is plenty of room for both union and league.

“Rugby league is not a dark monster. Fans will be able to enjoy a fabulous day out.

“The three of us have the work ethic to be successful.”

Harris, a former Man of Steel winner, said: “I remember from my own playing days how hostile an environment it was in Newport.

“These are exciting times and Brian will be instilling into the players how difficult a place it is to play.”