IT may be two long months before Sevenoaks RFC begin their new campaign, but preparations towards what will hopefully be a promotion winning season are already underway.

Not only have the Oaks been back training earlier than ever before, there is also a new name as captain.

Tim Golds, who is off to work in Africa, has stood down, with Ed Alteirac, a product of the much-vaunted Knole Paddock youth set-up, stepping into his shoes.

For 26-year-old Alteirac the chance to lead his home town team out is a dream come true.

"It's a massive honour for me," the hooker said. "I've been at the club for 11 years. When I was 15 or 16 I always thought it would be awesome to be first team captain, but I never thought I would get it - even two years ago. I'm really keen to get going. It's a proud moment for me and I want to take us onwards and upwards."

Alteirac praised the work Golds has put into turning Oaks into a London 2 South East force to be reckoned with over the past two seasons.

"For me, he had a tough job. He took over a team that had just been relegated and led us with commitment and passion. He's created a more unified atmosphere and that has made my job, straightaway, a lot easier. I'm in charge of a team on the up and going well.

"I'd publicly like to say thanks to him and all the hard work he has done."

Sevenoaks RFC are under a lot of pressure to perform in 2010/11. Last year they came an impressive third, but with strong teams coming up and good teams coming down into their league, it is going to be a tough ask to finish in the top two.

That is one of the reasons why training has already begun, at the Hollybush at present, under James Leverington and new coach Peter Breen.

"It's going to be a hard slog to get everyone up to speed," Alteirac said. "We have got three sessions a week, but if we are serious about getting promoted that is what we are going to have to do. Actions speak louder than words, so let's crack on. If we don't get promoted, it will be seen as a failure. Everyone wants to get promoted. That is our goal."

Their season kick off on September 11 away at Old Dunstonians.