RELEGATED New-bridge have appointed brothers Robert and Gareth Johnstone as new coaches in their bid to bounce straight back to the Welsh Premier Division.

The pair have vast experience, Robert as a respected coach of 25 years standing with Gareth as his number two for the past 15 years or so.

For the past two years they have been in charge at Division Four East Oakdale, taking them from Division Five in their first season, and have had other successes.

Robert cut his coaching teeth with Pontllanfraith, Oakdale and Cross Keys before teaming up with Gareth back at Oakdale where they helped their home side to promotion for five successive seasons between 1989 and 1995.

They then took Ebbw Vale from Division One to the Premier Division before six years at Tredegar where they were twice promoted to the Premier but also suffered relegations.

"We have missed the buzz of coaching near the top and though we see the task at Newbridge as an enormous challenge, we are looking forward to it," said Robert.

"Our aim is to get the team to perform and be competitive week in, week out and though we are not making any promises, if we achieve that you never know what might happen.

"We have been through the situation Newbridge are in before and imagine that's why they came to us.

"We are going to have to rebuild and work on fitness levels but we are hoping to keep as many of the players who played in the Premier Division last season as possible, give them the chance to do the business, and slot in other players around them through our contacts over the years."

Newbridge chairman Idris McCarthy commented: "Robert and Gareth are a tried and trusted partnership who are used to being successful and live only just down the road.

"They are our type of people and I believe we will work well together."

It means the club parting company with backs coach Steve Cross, who was appointed after the sacking of Jonathan Westwood (no forwards coach was appointed after Mike Watkins' resignation).

"Steve is a great bloke who worked hard for us and did a good job and we are grateful for his efforts, but the Johnstones come as a partnership," added McCarthy.