Twycross, who co-coached Wodonga Raiders with Brendan Way in 2007 and 2008, spent last season on the sidelines and admits he missed the football environment.

“I really missed it last year,” Twycross said yesterday.

“At times I probably struggled without it and it’s good to be involved again.

“I was on the past players’ committee at Wodonga Raiders, but only saw six or so games and went to Melbourne a fair bit.

“I’m looking forward to getting out to Dederang-Mount Beauty and getting stuck into it.”

Twycross, who takes over from Mark Dicketts, has signed three-time Raider reserve grade best and fairest Beau Packer who will oversee much of the Bombers’ preseason training, while Brad Dalkin and Andy Hill have returned to the Bombers.

Adam Cusworth and Dicketts are the most notable losses.

“The nucleus of the ’08 team is still at the club and I don’t think we are too far away,” he said.

“We probably need to pick up a couple of key position players to help us along.

“Beau is going to be really good for us and getting Brad Dalkin and Andy Hill back will be great.”

Twycross spent two seasons as coach of Chiltern, coaching the Swans to the 1998 premiership after charging home from the elimination final.

Twycross played down speculation the Bombers were in the mix for Wodonga full-forward Darren Bradshaw, but is hopeful of signing several more recruits in coming weeks.

Wahgunyah, Wodonga Saints and Tallangatta are the only TDFL clubs to name senior coaches for next season.