By Alan Irving

Last updated 16:00, Wednesday, 28 May 2008

WHITEHAVEN rugby league club has bolstered up the Boardroom and made backroom changes designed to boost its fortunes.

West Cumbrian businessman Phil Clarkin has rejoined the board and legal eagle Chris McMellon, the company secretary who works for a big American company, has also been made a director.

But telling changes have also been made behind the scenes in a backroom team in which, Harry O'Neill, and Paul Goodwin, are given fulltime jobs as commercial and general manager respectively.

Marketing director Mike Graham said: “Both are real Haven stalwarts, Paul has done numerous valuable jobs for the club in the past, while we are delighted that Harry has agreed to come back. His role will also be a vital one to bring in much needed income through sponsorship and particularly the lottery, the decline in the lottery having been one of the reasons for our recent crisis.

“Doing nothing is not an option. The club’s finances are still in a precarious position and so we need every possible source of income we can receive. We are trying to make positive steps forward, it is a balance between getting things right on the field and stabilising the finances off it.”

Another key appointment is that of a community manager – Lee O’Brian, from Barrow, who will link in with schools and local initiatives schools and help Haven tap into available grants.

Dave Farrell continues as Academy team manager.

Gordon Grace is Haven’s No.1 as chairman backed up on the board by Mike Graham, Phil Clarkin, Chris McMellon and the finance director Georgina Ayling.