WHAT a difference a year makes. This time last summer Harlequins were in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, now they look far more stable.

Their problems have been well documented, beginning with Tom Williams' now infamous wink as he came off the field in their Heineken Cup semi-final.

The furore caused by the lazily-dubbed Bloodgate scandal saw director of rugby Dean Richards banned for three years and the winger suspended for 12 months, which was reduced to four on appeal. Physio Steph Brennan was also banned for two years and the club fined £260,000.

That all seemed to have an effect on the pitch as Quins didn't win a match until a last-gasp 13-11 defeat of Bath in October — George Robson's red card in the first minute of their first game adding to their woes.

After that, however, things have started to pick up for the famous old club.

John Kingston stepped up to take full charge in the absence of Richards and guided the club to an eighth-placed finish.

That wasn't too bad considering the off-field dramas, but he has now stepped back into the shadows to focus on coaching as Conor O'Shea has come on board as director of rugby.

The former Ireland international was announced as Richards' long-term successor in November and officially started the role on March 15.

O'Shea had the same position at London Irish — taking them to Powergen Cup glory in 2003 — after his distinguished playing career came to an end.

He has also worked for the RFU and English Institute of Sport before being tempted back into professional rugby.

And he certainly has a challenge on his hands. Richards took over following Harlequins' relegation from the Premiership in 2005 and guided the club back into the Heineken Cup.

In his first season he led them back to the top flight with ease, the only blip coming with a 13-8 defeat against Exeter at the County Ground.

During that season he brought in several young players who have gone on to establish themselves as the core of the starting line-up.

But he also had an eye for talent from outside the club, including signing John Andress, Lewis Stevenson and Josh Drauniniu from Exeter towards the end of his last season in charge.

O'Shea has now had time to get his feet firmly under the table and has overseen a bit of tinkering with the squad.

Drauniniu is among the players who have exited, with England winger David Strettle's move to Saracens the most high profile departure from the Stoop.

Only six players have so far been confirmed as joining the club, however. The highlights see Ollie Smith returning to English rugby after a spell with French club Montpellier and Maurie Fa'asavalu back in the 15-man game, although he is not due to join until his deal with rugby league giants St Helens expires in the autumn.

The changing of the old guard includes a change of skipper, with Chris Robshaw, 24, succeeding back-row colleague Will Skinner as captain.

Having captained England's midweek team during their tour Down Under earlier this summer, Robshaw certainly has the credentials to succeed.

O'Shea said: "He (Robshaw) has been with Quins all his career and not only does he have the full respect of the coaches and players at Quins, but he also has that throughout the Aviva Premiership.

"I have no doubt Chris will captain the side in his own style and, if all players follow Chris' attitude in the way he trains and plays the game, then I am sure we can really move forward as a group."

So it's a new boss and a new captain for Harlequins this season. New blood to lead the club forward.