The new season is now here for Enniskillen who start their league campaign with a home game against Ballyclare on Saturday.

On the coaching front there is a change for Skins with Stevie Welsh taking over the Head Coach duties from Willie Gibson.

There is also changes on the pitch with a number of players returning for the Mullaghmeen based outfit.

One thing staying the same is that Ryan Cathcart remains as captain and he is looking forward to the action getting underway after a tough pre-season.

"It’s been a tough but positive pre-season, Stevie’s managed to keep the intensity going up but it’s always been enjoyable," he said.

Welsh will bring a fresh voice and fresh ideas to the set up and Cathcart says that is a positive.

"There is definitely an added buzz. Every coach has a slightly different approach and the change in personnel always shakes things up and tends to motivate people.

"Obviously we all know Stevie well but everyone still works that bit harder to cement their position under fresh eyes,". he explained

And Ryan is honoured to once again be named as captain for the forthcoming season.

"Last season had it’s challenges as captain but I'll always feel privileged to captain Enniskillen, and ultimately as long as the lads are content with me in that role then I’ll be happy to do it.

"Thankfully there are plenty of other leaders in the squad which makes the job a lot easier."

Among those other leaders are players who are returning to the club after being away and Cathcart is on no doubt that they will provide a massive boost going into the new season.

"James Carleton, Nick Finlay and Gareth Beatty are three men we didn’t have last year, and Gavin Warrington who only caught the end of the season. If you know the characters returning to the squad you know the impact they can have, not just as players but they’re all club men through and through with a great understanding of the game," he added.

Last season was a difficult one for Skins in the league as they battled at the wrong end of the table but the captain is hopeful that they can compete at the other end this time around.

"I want us to be competing for top four. That may sound like a leap from our finish last year but the league is very tight and we know we let a lot of opportunities slip that would have changed our season.

"What’s important for me personally is that we reassert ourselves as a tough and physical side to play against, especially at Mullaghmeen."

Skins have gone well in the Towns Cup in recent seasons, reaching successive finals and Cathcart would love another run in it this season again.

"We don’t really plan for the cup, we love it because it’s knockout rugby, you just enjoy it and take it game by game, which seems to suit us as we’ve had some good runs.

"Admittedly it’s still a huge goal for a lot of us who’ve experienced finals and come away empty handed so we’ll be ready for it when it comes around," said the Skins skipper.

Another key thing for Skins is the introduction of youth players into the senior squad and Cathcart feels that there is more talent coming through at the club who will make their mark over the forthcoming campaign in Ulster Rugby Championship One.

Jack Rutledge has just come into the forward pack straight from schools rugby and has managed the step up with ease so I think we’ll see a big season from him.

"Jamie Kelly and Matty Dane are two other young players who I think will come into good form now after getting a debut season of senior rugby under their belt," he stated.