AMERICAN Football is coming back to Basildon as the Essex Spartans begin their preparations for the 2005 season.

The Gloucester Park outfit are kicking off with an open training day on Sunday, January 16, and anyone interested in getting involved with playing or coaching is welcome.

Head coach Dean Gibson admits that last season was a disappointment for the club, who fell short of their target of a place in the British Conference South East play-offs.

But he is confident things will improve this time round.

"We're not happy, but we have to try to build on it," he said.