Fluss has returned to coach the club for a second time having spent the last couple of years at Albury United.

Melrose finished bottom of the ladder this season and failed to win in 14 attempts, shipping 72 goals.

Their woes were compounded in October when the Melrose Park clubrooms were damaged in a fire.

Fluss, 36, knows what he's up against but is determined to turn things around.

"We're in for a massive challenge," he said.

"I'm not going to lie and I don't want to sugar-coat it.

"They only pulled a couple of points last season and that turns players away from what they did have.

"It's already a challenge to keep the base of what they had as well as to add to that.

"I've been doing a fair bit of work on the phone, asking for help.

"At the moment, we need help and that's what this is about.

"If we can pick up one or two extra players, who want to come down and play in a good environment and help a club that's been struggling for the last couple of years, that would be great.

"We know it's going to be a tough year, it's not like we're aiming for the league but we'll still go out every week aiming to win."

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Adam McLennan will lead the line for Melrose next season after agreeing to join Fluss in his new venture, while the coach expects to start in goal.

"Melrose has always been a proud club, they've been around for a long time and always been competitive," Fluss said.

"But this year, it's not just a lack of players.

"Having the club rooms burnt down and probably being another 12 months before the new ones are built, we're going to spend a season changing out of protables or something like that, which is going to be another battle on its own.

"But in another 12 months time, hopefully we've grown a little bit and matured and we're thereabouts with a brand new clubhouse.

"Dave Pye (president) is the heart and soul of Melrose and things like the clubhouse burning down, he takes it to heart.

"I want to help turn things around."

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