Dave Gaskell hopes his St Helens Town squad can draw on their experience of their last season in Division Two, as they aim to bounce back from relegation.

From mid-table in mid-June, Gaskell’s side went on a run of 11 wins in 12 games to end the season as champions.

And after falling short last year, the skipper hopes to get on a roll again when the season begins.

He said: “It does help having got out of the division before.

“The last time we were in Division Two was my first year as captain, and we didn’t really set any targets. 

“We were mid-table at the half-way point then we ended up getting promoted – it’s one of those divisions where you can get on a run.

“Last season is a bit sore for us still – we probably played better when we were relegated than we did the year before, when we stayed up. 

“There are a few games that haunt us – we should have beaten all the top three at Ruskin but we just couldn’t get over the line.

“When you’ve always got a really strong side around the corner, it’s hard to put together a run of games – when you’re fighting for it, you almost want it too much. 

“It comes down to both the skill of the opposition and being out of that winning feeling.”

Seamer Danny Feeney and all-rounder Craig Black have left for Maghull, and Gaskell is yet to seal the deal for an overseas player to replace Sibusiso Maseko.

“There’s not been a great deal of change in terms of the squad, generally we’re quite similar,” he said.

“We’re in the process of confirming an overseas – we tend to go down the spinner route, it tends to suit our ground.”

With Matty Bielby leading the attack after a promising 2024, Gaskell hopes his top order can all contribute a bit more this year.

He added: “No-one had a standout season with the bat, so we’re looking for one or two people – including myself – to go on and score big runs and set bigger totals.

“We started poorly last year and we only got into rhythm in May, so hopefully we can avoid that slow start this season.”