Adam Coles, 24, was appointed to help the Saints re-establish its power in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League.

Coles comes to the club very highly recommended, having been the assistant coach at Maldon for the past two years. His earlier clubs have included a stint at Dunnstown and Rokewood.

A versatile back man, Coles is confident he will be able to entice a number of players to the club from among his many contacts in the Ballarat area.

His ability to recruit good young players was one of the main reasons for his success at Maldon where the club improved from cellar dwellers to challenging for a finals position.

Under Coles' guidance the club will be chasing young players to add pace to the team and to provide a base for years to come.

It will be vital to Trentham's future that a number of the players who left the club in previous seasons realise there is a new feeling of optimism around the club, and that they return to help re-establish the Saints as a power

in the MCDFL.

Club president Vin Cowell said he was delighted with the signing.

"There are several more players from various leagues who are looking at joining the Saints," he said. "The recruiting committee has been very busy on the phone and their perseverance is starting to show results."

Mr Cowell urged all past players (both footballers and netballers) to return to the fold and help rebuild the club.

"I am sure that there are still plenty of people with a lot to offer who are just waiting to see where the club stands," he said.

On the fundraising front, Mr Cowell said that the major raffle, with first prize of a Ford ute, had been rescheduled to be drawn on Sunday, December 10, at the Trentham football ground. There will be a family fun day and barbecue.

Anyone who still has raffle books outstanding should return them to treasurer Kirsty Henry at the Trentham Hotel.