He’ll also be the coach of the first grade side along with representative second rower Shannon Ellem.

Mr Moorehead replaces Craig Wheeler as president. Mr Wheeler didn’t seek re-election.

There are a number of changes to the club’s executive, with Sam Atkinson and Darrin Dark vice presdents and Anna Dumas the secretary. The club expects to fill the treasurer’s position soon.

Mr Moorehead has no qualms about taking on both positions.

“We have a strong leadership team, it's not as though one person wields all the power,’’ he said.

“Sam has a background with the Knights in sponsorship, marketing and community engagement. Darrin has one of the smartest football brains in this area and he’ll be handing the coaching development role.’’

Mr Moorehead said he’s received been plenty of positive feedback from the community.We’ve been fielding phone calls on a daily basis and it’s all been positive,’' he said.

Mr Atkinson said the club wants to get more involved with the Old Bar community. An Old Boys clubs started last season and the Pirates will look to further develop this in 2019 while there are other avenues the club wants to investigate.

OLD Bar Pirates co-captain-coach for the past two seasons, Jake Wheeler, has stepped down.

“Jake’s left the area for work and at this stage it looks as though he will be playing in the Newcastle area,’’ Pirates coach and president Jamie Moorehead explained.

Meanwhile, the Pirates have signed rugged utility forward Nick Beacham, who previously played with Wingham. Mr Moorehad coached Beacham at the the Tigers two seasons ago.

“Beach can play anywhere in the pack or five-eighth if needed. And he can kick goals,’’ Mr Moorehead said.

"We’ll be looking at him playing in the pack somewhere.’’

However, promising front rower Jared Wooster will move to Newcastle to play with the Knights under 20s.

Mr Moorehead understands veteran centre Clint Walker has retired.

“But you never know with Clint,’’ he added.