Charlestown are regrouping from an off-season taking in the messy departure of coach David Tanchevski, a new committee, the appointment of former Adamstown boss Graham Law, the return of the Azzurri name after a win over FFA, and an injection of young talent.

Coach: Graham Law

Last year: 6th (36 points, +11 goals)

Arrivals: Regan Lundy (Weston), Daniel Bird (Terrigal), Riley Smith, Jackson Frendo (Jets Youth), Cal Bower (Lakes), Matt Johnson (Woongarrah)

Departures: Riley McNaughton (Jaffas), Tom Smart (Broadmeadow), Adam Hughes (Valentine), Cal Lewis (Lakes), Jamie Byrnes (Hamilton Azzurri), Peter McPherson (Toronto), Cameron Sullini (Belswans), Musa Kamara (Weston), Daniel Hughes, Max Vegter

First month: Olympic (H), Broadmeadow (A), Jaffas (H), Lakes (A)

There's been significant change at the club in the off-season. What's been the biggest positive out of that?

The biggest positive is how they've gelled together. I've brought in five young players and it was always going to be interesting to see if the older group could adapt to the new players and the age demographics. It's been a culture change at the club, with these younger guys coming in who are hungry for multiples of training sessions, and managing it with guys who don't need to be told too much, because they've been there and done it.

After a few years coaching in second-division, what's been the biggest challenge returning to the NPL?

The biggest challenge is getting to know the strengths and weaknesses of my opposition but thanks to BarTV, and much to my wife's dismay, any of my free time the past four months has been spent watching all the games from last year. There's no difference to me as a coach. I give everything at whatever team I'm with, and I love coaching and being on the field. You've got coaches who are game day coaches and coaches who, I hate to say it, who are cheque-book coaches, but I'm never happier than when we are working on the training ground.

There's a tight-knit group of experienced players at the club. How has it been working with them?

It's been refreshing this far, the hunger they are showing. This senior group don't need to be told they are good players, but the challenge to them is - 'you are all going to be legends of Azzurri but do you want to win something before you go?' It's as simple as that, because I've shown as a coach that I know how to win stuff and I believe there's a group of players there, that if we get it right, can win stuff, but they've got to want it.

What have you identified as the key to turning Azzurri's potential into success?

The first thing that is very evident is keeping them all on the park because they are an ageing squad and they need to look after themselves. I've brought in stuff that they've never had - prehab, rehab, stretching after games. The biggest challenge we have as a very good but small senior squad is that we must maintain our discipline and our fitness wherever possible to give ourselves the best opportunity. Charlestown are known as a physical team who can be volatile ... but the challenge for us is making sure our best players are always available for selection.

Who's a player standing out in pre-season as one to watch?

My attacking third with the experienced of Kane [Goodchild] and Scott [Smith], and the additions of Regan Lundy and Riley Smith. I think I've got a top-line that answers any other team's in the league.

Charlestown have long been a club capable of making finals, but their last appearance was in 2014.

The likes of former league-leading scorers Goodchild and Smith, skipper Matt Tull and Rene Ferguson give Azzurri a solid foundation. That core, together with the young legs Law has recruited, will give Charlestown a starting side capable of beating anyone. However, depth will again be a concern and another mid-table finish looks likely.

SIGN UP TODAY: For the best coverage of sport in Newcastle and the Hunter, subscribe to the newcastleherald.com.au/lovesport for unlimited digital access