CARL Douglas wants to grow the playing squad at Dudley Kingswinford as part of his efforts to turn the club's fortunes around next season.

The director of rugby at Heathbrook says he is hoping to keep the majority of the current crop of players but would like to build up the numbers involved across the senior sections of the club.

Douglas feels increased competition is needed as he looks to bounce back following relegation from National Three Midlands.

DK did not have a game last Saturday but are now resigned to the drop following defeat at home to Longton the previous weekend.

"I will be keeping the core of the squad for next season but will be aiming to grow the player base in the senior parts of the club," said Douglas.

"It is important we are able to train how we play. The only way we can get that intensity on a regular basis is to have more competition across the adult sides.

"We have recently launched touch rugby at the club and have attracted 35 or 40 people to get involved. We want to build on those sort of initiatives here."

Douglas says he is now keen to finish the current season on a high as his side prepares to travel to Nuneaton this Saturday.

"Nuneaton is another big challenge for us but gives us another opportunity to try to get more elements of our game right," he added.

"The players have been excellent and have really stepped up to the mark despite a difficult season.

"Against Longton we did really well and had eight chances to score that we didn't take. We now need to continue to progress and try and end the season as well as we can."