JOHN Wilkinson's New Year resolution is to look firmly beyond 2009.

The Salford City Reds chairman is duty bound to do this with his club back in Super League for the next three years and facing keen competition.

Wilkinson is determined that Salford will hold their own.

For the chairman and his fellow officials, intense planning and preparation for a top flight return started last July when the Reds learned they were one of 14 clubs to be awarded a licence.

Wilkinson has hardly had a day's rest since but the big goal is for his club to eventually be up there with the best.

He believes Salford have recruited wisely. He said: "We have got to aim high, it's as simple as that.

"I feel we've made some very good signings. We will certainly be fielding the biggest pack we have had for many a season. This is where games are won and lost and we have to be strong up front.

Promises

"I'm really looking forward to what promises to be a very interesting season. Saints and Leeds are always going to be up there challenging but the gap is definitely closing. We're now seeing teams beating each other. That's good, but as in any sport, it's all about trying to break into the pack and to seriously challenge."

Reds have left no stone unturned in their preparations. Their training facilities now match those of the best following the transfer of operations from Sedgley Park to within the University of Salford.

Players are reaping the rewards and Wilkinson added: "The facilities we now have at our disposal are magnificent and this is so important for the welfare of any club.

"The sports science team members from the university will be accompanying us to Jacksonville for pre-season training.

"The whole campus facilities we use are excellent. Training facilities have to be right.

"As a club we know where we are and realise what we are aiming for. We have a very good backroom team, we are very professional and we look forward to exciting times.

"We have been given a great opportunity back in Super League and it is so important that we capitalise on it. We have got to be established at Barton, the new stadium development really is the key because it's fact this will put us in a very strong position to challenge. This is what we work towards.

"We have seen how Warrington and Hull have gone up a level by moving to new grounds. Believe me, the vibes are very good coming out of Salford right now but we know that Super League will be extremely competitive."

Coach

Wilkinson knows that coach Shaun McRae is relishing being back in Super League as a head coach where his experience could be invaluable.

The Reds boss added: "We all know we have to be better but we have been moulding as a unit and building for a very big future from the moment we were awarded a licence.

"We have brought in good players and no one can be guaranteed a place in what is a strong squad.There's guaranteed competition for places, that's good."

Wilkinson left Leigh on Sunday night with a smile on his face. The club's rich crop of talented youngsters were given the chance to show what they can do against the Centurions, and their performances showed that the club is very much in safe hands.

Wilkinson adds: "It was so pleasing to see a lot of these young lads seize the opportunity and do so well. This shows that the future is bright. They're so honest and so keen. Young Jordan Turner, who is an outstanding prospect, was man enough to put his hand up in the dressing room afterwards and admit that was the worst he had played for Salford. We have a good squad and I'm sure a lot of these lads will be knocking on the door in 2009. They're so keen."

The chairman is also expecting seasoned campaigner and club skipper, Mal Alker, to again lead from the front.

Wilkinson said: "Mal has bags of experience, leading from the front is his style. I know he's pleased with the signings we've made and I'm sure his enthusiasm will again rub off on everyone. Mal has been a great servant and he has a great hunger for the game."

Wilkinson now turns his attentions to the challenge match against Leeds in Jacksonville next month.

He added: "This will be another good early test for us.

"It's very much a ground-breaking venture but we're looking forward to it.

"We then gear up for the start of what is an important season. We're ambitious and we've made our long-term intentions clear but I firmly believe we are heading in the right direction. We have some very good players and as we saw at the weekend the future stars are also starting to come through. That's so important and something we openly encourage at Salford."

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