The most successful coach in Shropshire rugby is back – at the club where he made his name.

Ginge Wills has returned to Whitchurch for a second spell as coach at Edgeley Park.

During his first stint with the club from 1997 to 2002, Wills helped Whitchurch become the first Shropshire team to reach the National League – where he kept them for three years – and the first club from the county to win the North Midlands Cup.

The club have fallen on tougher times since and have spent the last two seasons languishing near the foot of Midlands Two West, although they will play in Midlands One West next season after a restructuring following the extension of the National League.But Wills, who has been coaching at Harper Adams University College and Shrewsbury School during a 12-month sabbatical from club rugby, is determined to bring the good times back.

“This is a big club,” he said. “It’s a sleeping giant and we just need to get it waking up again.

“Every club is a big challenge and this is no different. They have had some tough times but they just need some ideas coming into the club to get the boys motivated and the enthusiasm back.”

Wills’ last job with a club came at Newport, who he left 12 months ago.

And he will be working closely with a Whitchurch stalwart after scrum-half Chris Hares was appointed as club captain.