THEY might have had a ghost of a chance of making the 2007 Northern League finals, but Grafton Rugby League Football Club's new coach predicts the team will be in the competition top five in 'the not too distant future'.

Col Speed, former coach of the Toowoomba Rugby League Pittsworth A grade side, has taken up the position of coach of the Ghosts' 2008 first grade side, and looking forward to meeting the team.

"When I have taken up all my previous coaching positions the teams have not been doing too well," he said.

"I have successfully turned their form around, so the challenges facing me here in Grafton are no different to the ones I have faced in the past.

"I'll be really focussing on improving each player and the over-all team performance.

"At the moment myself and Roges (Ghosts president Michael Rogan) are making a huge proactive effort in recruitment, we're really targeting key players.

"I'm also hoping to bring a front rower, a centre, and a fullback from Toowoomba to Grafton, we're looking at building a very strong team."

Speed said he had enjoyed his encounters with the Clarence Valley community, and views his position as an ideal way of mixing with a wide range of people.

"I absolutely love coaching, it's something I'm really passionate about," he said.

"It's a good way of meeting people in a new town, and so far I have really liked everyone I have encountered.

"I'm really impressed with Grafton as a country town, my wife and myself have three sons who we're really happy to raise here, plus the Ghosts committee has been very friendly and helpful.

"I think the 2008 season is going to be fantastic."