Spennymoor United have launched a search for a new manager after Tony Lee resigned last week.

Moors are now looking for their fourth manager in 18 months after Lee's departure, and the search is all the more urgent with pre-season training due to start in less than a fortnight.

Lee quit for personal reasons and rumours that he has been linked to a Northern League return appear to be unfounded at the moment.

Meanwhile, club owner Benny Mottram has been talking to members of the current squad, and he is confident that most of them will be staying at the club.

But Moors' fans will be hoping that the bad news ends soon for the club.

The Brewery Field clubhouse was burnt down last year, Moors missed out on a Conference place, and now Lee has departed.

However, despite that backdrop, there is sure to be plenty of interest in one of the top jobs in North-East non-league football.

Supporters of Northern League club Willington and UniBond League Bishop Auckland will be starting their season early when they meet in a friendly at Willington's Hall Lane ground on Saturday, July 3.

The game, which kicks off at 10.45am, will raise funds for Willington and also for Bishop Auckland's stadium fund.

The fund, launched by the club's Independent Supporters' Club back in March has recently broken through the £1,000 barrier.

Anyone wishing to play for either team can register to play on either of the club's websites or by texting their name and preferred team to 07766 441043.

Alternatively, players can turn up on the morning of the game without registering, but anyone who puts their name down by 27 June will be included in the matchday programme.

Players will be charged a nominal fee of £3 to play. Admission is free, with a bucket collection and raffle boosting the funds raised. There will also be a kids' penalty shootout competition at half time.

The match is being sponsored by Poindexters Computer Shop in Victoria Avenue, Bishop Auckland.

For more information, contact John Cowey (Bishop Auckland) on 07766 441043 or John Phelan (Willington) on 01388 768551.