North Walsham's first-team players will paid for the first time from next season

North Walsham Rugby Club will be semi-professional next season in a bid to regain their National League status.

The Vikings will now pay their players for the first time in their history after suffering relegation from the League to London One.

A new coaching structure has also been introduced with former player Nick Greenhall returning as head coach.

Chairman John Farrer told BBC Radio Norfolk: "With the budget we've got there's no reason we can't progress."

North Walsham's 18-year stay in the National League ended with relegation last season.

Their demotion was blamed on the fact that the club's playing budget was one of the smallest in the division.

The massive overhaul at Scottow will see the Vikings employ seven coaches next season, after going through last year with just one.

The relegation has forced the issue and made us look to the future North Walsham chairman John Farrer

Dave Smith, who took over as head coach during last season, will stay with the club to work with the backs.

Another former Walsham player Tim Malone is back at the club as forwards coach while Mark Scott has been given the newly-created co-ordinator of rugby role.

Farrer added: "There's never no going back because if the money runs out we'll have to go back but the relegation has forced the issue and made us look to the future."

Farrer wants the increased budget to lead to a short stay in regional rugby.

"I've given the coaches the task of finishing in the top two."