JOHN Brain today began the daunting task of building team spirit at Worcester Rugby Club -- a job he admits will shape their whole season.

The former Gloucester stalwart officially started his role as head coach today and after another Sixways summer of revolution, Brain is well aware the next couple of weeks will be a vital time.

Worcester have brought in 17 new players, retained and released 16 in a close season swap-shop, while coach Adrian Skeggs departed and chief executive Geoff Cooke moved off the training field.

Brain, Steve Townend and Peter Finch have been handed the job of making chairman Cecil Duckworth's dreams come true by finally clinching Premiership promotion.

Worcester's season will not begin until September, but Brain accepts that instilling a winning attitude will take time.

"I don't know many of the players," he said. "And they don't know me, so it is going to be a very important time for everyone.

"In any season, July and August are vital times for a club. If you get the pre-season and the preparation right, the chances are you will have a good season."

"I am really looking forward to starting because this day has been in the offing now since May when I began to talk with Worcester. It's a job that you just want to get started and meet the players -- it's an exciting time."

The former Kingsholm assistant coach will outline his philosophy to his new squad, but central to his ethos will be a professional ap-proach.

"The preparation has to be right if we are to win this league. There obviously has to be some fun but players need to prepare and look after themselves."

Brain will not impose an alcohol ban on his squad but, at the same time, is not a great believer that professional rugby and drink are a conducive cocktail.