Block 12 Backcheck

Well. That's that then. Another Blackburn Hawks season is over.

A fourth placed finish in the ENL and a brave - but ultimately fruitless - play-off semi-final effort against Whitley Warriors are probably as much as we could have expected.

As for the Northern/Fife Flyers benefit league? The sooner the Flyers are found some proper competition the better - anyway, back to the Hawks.

Coach Jared Owen admitted the season had its ups and downs but, in fairness, it was probably a fairly steep learning curve for a first full term in charge.

The loss of Rick Bentham to Wightlink Raiders was unhelpful but a lack of depth to the squad was probably the biggest factor in preventing a truly successful season.

That lack of depth was most notable in defence with Chris Butler's injury keeping him out for most of the season, while Craig Rogers' untimely decision to quit the team left just two lines on 'D' and that just isn't enough.

Having said that those left fighting for the cause - Ollie Lomax, Chris Arnone, Chad Briggs and Lance Derbyshire - performed admirably given the circumstances.

Further forward things have looked better with new signing Tom King an impressive addition. Aaron Davies was his usual whole-hearted self while Matt Viney looks to be much improved.

Despite this the feeling it could be even better remains.

David Meikle topped the Hawks scoring charts while Rick Hughes averaged almost a point per game but both often fail to dominate games the way their talents suggest they should.

So what will the future bring?

Firstly let's hope Owen and his assistant, Daniel Brittle, return next season.

Then let's have everyone who finished the season also signing up.

Next - some depth has to be added to the squad - particularly in defence but also someone who can finish things off - maybe even an import?

Finally - and probably most importantly. Rumours have been circulating for a number of weeks about a takeover of the team by a Supporters Trust.

On the face of it this appeared to be the way forward but it seems the Arena may have gone cold on the idea.

If that's the case then I hope the momentum gained from an exciting last few weeks of the season isn't lost and the Arena finally go the extra mile to make the Hawks a success.

With Blackburn Rovers hardly covering themselves in glory the town is crying out for something to hang their hat on - and the Hawks could be it.

The first leg play-off win over Whitley showed what could be achieved - drifting aimlessly along simply won't do anymore.