Kelly returns to try and rebuild Rams

New coach Neil Kelly says his first task in charge of Dewsbury Rams is to rebuild shattered confidence.

Kelly begins his second spell in charge of Rams – 21 years after he was first appointed and 16 years on from his departure – with a home derby against Batley Bulldogs today (1pm).

Rams have lost their nine Championship fixtures but are only two points adrift of safety in the battle against relegation to League One.

“I’ve seen the players train once this week and they look like every other squad training – they are preparing to win a game,” said Kelly.

“They look brilliant in training and there’s no reason why we can’t transfer that into a game.

“It is about confidence in your own ability to keep doing what you’re doing well and go on and get a win.

“The players have got themselves into a situation where there’s a confidence issue.

“I am sure if they overcome that and get a win we can build on that.”

Kelly coached Rams from 1996-2001, winning the Northern Ford Premiership Grand Final in 2000.

He repeated the feat the following season with Widnes, is a former Wales coach and has recently worked in rugby union, with Namibia and Romania.

Bulldogs chief Matt Diskin reckons Kelly’s appointment has made his side’s job today that bit tougher.

“They have got a new coach on board and their players have to prove their worth,” he said.

“That makes them more of a dangerous prospect for us than at any other point in the season.”

Diskin is confident if his side get their own act together they can get the job done.

“We’ve not hit anything like our straps yet.”