LAUNCESTON Tornadoes chairman Mark Thurlow is upbeat about the club's prospects seven weeks out from 2012 SEABL season start.
The Tornadoes announced new joint coaches on Friday with former head coach Rick Wyllie and former Tornadoes captain Brodie Clark taking on the job with backup from junior and state development coach Donna Mitchell.
``We're delighted we've been able to appoint what we believe are three of the highest quality local coaches in Launceston - we've done very well there,'' Thurlow said.
A new board headed by Thurlow has worked hard to erase the club's $55,000 debt which saw it in danger of folding last year.
It has done that with community help, especially a $20,000 donation by Launceston Sports Arena proprietor Bec Walsh.
The club still owes money to the SEABL but has been given time to pay that off.
Thurlow said the club was excited by promising negotiations with two or three key import players and hoped to be able to unveil the new recruits within a week or two.
Discussions with local businesses were continuing to secure a naming rights sponsor.
``It's been a lot of hard work and everything is starting to fall into place,'' he said.
``We've ticked a lot of boxes in the last few months and the two left we need to tick are sponsors and volunteers.''
The club is asking for volunteers, willing to help out in various roles during the season, to attend a meeting at the Elphin Sports Centre on Tuesday at 7pm.
The Tornadoes will launch their season with a cocktail party at Launceston's Manhattan Wine Bar on Friday, February 24.
Pre-season training starts tomorrow night at Launceston Grammar School for all interested players.
Wyllie can be contacted on 0438 342 213.