David Griffiths has stepped up from assistant manager to become team boss at Caerleon, the only Gwent club competing in the top flight of Motaquote Insurance Welsh League.

Griffith was number two to Denis McCoy who has moved on to the administrative side, taking the post of treasurer. However, defender McCoy could well continue to make himself available as a player.

Griffiths, yet to appoint an assistant or a physiotherapist, was a player at Cwmbran Town with McCoy and then spent over a decade in mid Wales with Newtown and Caersws before returning south more than a decade ago.

Caerleon open their pre-season campaign with a home fixture against London area club Godalming and Guildford, where a former Caerleon player is now a member.

Jamie Laister, a central defender, previously played with the Cold Bath Road club before moving to Surrey to work. The game will be played on July 17.

Caerleon are at home to Cromwell Youth on July 24, the game to be confirmed, and they meet Cwmbran Town, again at home, on July 31. Newport YMCA are the visitors on August 3 and they are hoping to fit in a match with Merthyr Tydfil.

Caerleon start training tonight (6.45pm) and then on Thursdays, continuing sessions twice a week while the light permits.

* Fields Park-Pontllanfraith have started training on Mondays and Thursdays and players should contact manager Jeff Reynolds on 01443-815638. Former players who are interested in helping the club on the committee are asked to contact secretary John Bray on 01443-832513.