THE Grafton Ghosts have appointed Neil Payne as president after Michael Rogan stepped down from the position at the club's annual meeting last week.

This follows the signing of Ryan Farrell as first grade coach for next season.

Payne says he has big shoes to fill but he is looking forward to guiding the Ghosts into a new era.

"Roges has hung up the boots after 13 years. I've never heard of anyone being at a club as president for that long," Payne told the Examiner yesterday.

"I suppose I've stepped into 13-year-old shoes. Roges has been through the good times and bad times and has gone out in a blaze of glory.

"I'm excited about taking the Ghosts forward."

Payne has a long association with the Ghosts, first as a major sponsor, then as treasurer.

"I had a business in the late '70s early '80s and with a few other guys was a major sponsor for many years," Payne said.

"I got involved again about four years ago and was treasurer the last two years."

The Ghosts have been one of the most successful clubs in the NRRRL in recent times, which Payne puts down to one word, professionalism.

Back-to-back premierships and a healthy financial position have resulted in the Ghosts growing as a club on and off the field.

"The club has been more professional the last few years, thanks to Michael Rogan and Col (Speed)," Payne said.

"The bar's been set high and as a club we need to stay up there. Along with Ryan (Farrell) I'm determined to maintain a professional standard.

"There's an old saying in the bush, 'To win a title you need to go broke'. But we've made a profit the last two years, which indicates to me we have plenty of support and hard workers."

In his new role as president Payne, along with his first grade coach, has been working overtime re-signing players for next season.

"Ryan and I have been busy the last few days signing players," he said.

"We've retained practically the whole side from last year and at the moment our priority is signing our talented junior players."

The club has also announced its reserve grade and under-18 coaches for next season.

"John Frame will be coaching the under-18s and Phil Stewart and Peter Brown will coach the reserve grade," Payne said.

"John did a very good job with the under-16s last season.

"It's very exciting times for the Ghosts."