Marske's new boss Darren Trotter wants promotion in his first season in charge. The club suffered its first relegation in the Northern League when they finished in the bottom three of the First Division last season, and now Trotter, appointed a fortnight ago, wants to bounce straight back up.

"I want to be back to the First Division," he said. "But I know there is a tough task ahead. There will be at least ten teams all battling for promotion, maybe more.

"Plus, Benfield Saints went straight through the Second Division after being promoted from the Northern Alliance, so maybe West Allotment and North Shields will be challenging as well."

Trotter has already had a couple of training sessions with his players. "I had a chat with the players along with my assistant, Michael Kinnair.

"We had a short game, and I gained some early impressions. I've sounded a few players out about signing, but I told the players that everybody is on a fresh start, no matter how long they've been at the club.

"The chairman wants me to help develop the club, and bring a fresh outlook to it."

Trotter has previously managed in the Northern League, at Norton, and has since been coaching at Hartlepool United's school of excellence.

Durham City are about to sign two players ahead of pre-season training.

Manager Billy Cruddas won't reveal their identities until the loose ends of the deals are tied up, but one is a central defender and the other a striker, both from Northern League clubs.

However, Cruddas has released veteran striker Willie Moat, who joined the club last season.

Murton have been told they will be playing in the Northern Alliance next season.

They were hoping that after their enforced relegation from the Northern League that they would be playing in the Wearside League, but the FA have told them that they will be playing in the Northern Alliance - even though Shotton, five miles away and also relegated, will be in the Wearside League.

Chairman Tommy Torrence said: "We've been made most welcome by the Northern Alliance. They haven't yet been to see our ground, but I'm sure they'll be more than happy with it."

Murton have lost ten players plus their manager Brian Maitland since relegation three weeks ago, so Torrence has appointed Graham Best as manager and Jamie Owens as assistant manager.

"They are two great lads, who have played for the club before, and their heart and soul are in it,'' he said.

"We're hoping now to build the club back up, and bounce back into the Northern League by winning promotion this season.

"I've had letters from several Northern League clubs since we left the league. All I can say is, after all the debate over our ground, if the cap fits, wear it."

Second Division Norton have appointed Brian Maitland as their new assistant manager.

Maitland has been appointed assistant manager at Norton.

Norton boss Ray Morton said: "I used to play with Brian in the league at Seaham and Shotton. It's nice to be with him again."

Long-serving Bob Nichols has decided to step down as secretary of second division Willington.

He has decided to put his pen away after holding the post for nearly 20 years during which he has helped to keep the club going through some difficult times.

"I've been trying to hand over the job for a couple of seasons, because I feel that I need a break," he said.

"I'm still going to be involved at the club as assistant secretary, but I feel that I need more time to myself."

Alan Stewart, who has been secretary of Crook, has agreed to take over.

Bob will still serve on the committee, and pointed out: "We could still do with a few more committee members to help with the work and bring some fresh ideas to the club."

The grant from the Football Foundation will allow work to commence next week on ground improvements.

Second Division Evenwood begin pre-season training on Tuesday, June 29 at the Welfare Ground at 6.30pm. Their first pre-season friendly is against Bishop Auckland on Wednesday, July 14.

The draws for the FA competitions are due to be published next weekend, and will appear in Local Heroes on Friday, July 9.