FORMER England and British Lions rugby star Phil Vickery joined Cinderford as the club's coaching consultant last week – and had the satisfaction of watching his new team knock the stuffing out of Birmingham and Solihull.

On the wrong end of a hiding at the Midlands' team's ground earlier in the season, Cinderford' s stuttering form – a mix of good, bad and luckless – needed this boost.

Playing in difficult conditions they produced a first rate performance.

Vickery, forced out of rugby by injury, now runs his own brand clothing company, 'Raging Bull'. He lives on a smallholding on the edge of the Forest.

Keen to continue his involvement in rugby, he sees his new role at Cinderford as an opportunity to return to rugby.

It is, says Vickery, an opportunity for the Cinderford team to draw on his experience and knowledge while in return he will learn more coaching.

He joins old friends in director of rugby Andy Deacon, Lee Fortey and Dave Pointon.

Deacon believes Vickery will take on a role similar to that being played by Brian Ashton at league leaders, Fylde and describes his decision to throw his lot in with Cinderford as "a great addition to our resources."

Deacon said: "We have had a tough first half of the season, full of challenges and so many near misses and with some pretty exhilarating rugby at times, and I think the supporters have enjoyed watching."

He said he retained total confidence in the squad and described the acquisition of Vickery as a boost to the club's confidence.

Vickery's touchline presence helped to do the trick on Saturday as Cinderford rattled up 40 points without reply!