AFTER a flat season-ending defeat at Stourbride, Blaydon are poised to ring the Crow Trees changes.

The Swalwell men were thumped 46-7 in the Midlands, their hosts running in eight tries with Blaydon only mustering a Stephen Trench try in response.

Rugby director Nick Gandy and club captain Dave Guthrie could not bow out with a win, and now their tenure is up secretary Jim Huxley admitted Blaydon will have a different make-up next term.

Influential centre Ben Mercer is heading back home to Bath after completing his university study, while prop James Isaaccsson might move to America for work. Hopeful of tying up their new rugby director this week, Huxley said Blaydon have sounded out several potential new recruits on the playing front to ease the expected departures.

“It’s the end of an era really and we have about five senior players leaving, I think,” said Huxley.

“So there will be changes of course, but we still have a good amount of talent coming through and we’re looking to bring one or two fresh faces in.

“Obviously Dave Guthrie and Nick Gandy have now come to the end of their respective time at the club, but Ben Mercer has finished university and is going back to Bath, while James Isaacsson could be moving to the US and Andrew Fenby is leaving, too.

“Once we get everything set for next year in terms of management then we can start working closely on the squad.”