ANDY Holloway has taken over the running of Southend Rugby Club’s first team.

Holloway, who was the Seasiders’ head coach last season, now has overall responsibilty for the playing side of things following the departure of director of rugby Ben Green.

“I am looking forward to it, but I don’t think it will be hugely different to last season,” said Holloway, 31.

“Playing-wise, Ben left things to me and that will stand me in good stead. But I will now also have to deal with any problems the players may have away from rugby and I’m going to be have to be ready for that.”

Holloway is eager to get started and has already bolstered the squad by bringing back tighthead prop Michael Guess and signing fly-half Peter Vickers from Willingborough.

However, he knows that Green — who left due to his work commitments — will be a hard act to follow.

“Ben is a big loss because he really kept things together, off the field as well,” said Holloway.

“He worked hard to make sure we were in a good position financially and he’s left us in a good position.Now the pressure and responsibility is on us to make sure it continues.”

Southend finished fourth in National Two South last term.

But Holloway, who has previously played for the Seasiders and coached Wellingborough, knows that will count for nothing when new season starts.

“I think the first year is the easiest when you’re coaching a team,” said the former scrum-half.

“I thought it might be hard to coach players I used to play alongside, but it’s fine and they give me feedback which helps.”