Northern League chairman Mike Amos has warned that more clubs could be facing relegation if their grounds don't reach league standards.

Murton were relegated from the league at the AGM after their ground failed to reach Second Division standard, and now First Division clubs have until March 31 next year to ensure they meet the required standards - and four of them are at risk.

Despite carrying out work after the March 31 deadline, Murton's efforts were in vain, and now the league is prepared to carry out more action if clubs fail to meet deadlines for grounds.

"The intention at the moment is that all First Division clubs, with the exception of those clubs newly-promoted and the grounds of those who were relegated this season, will be inspected in July," he said.

"Clubs have got the best part of nine months to carry out the work, and if any don't meet the criteria, then they could be expelled."

According to Amos, four unnamed clubs "will have a fair bit of work to do."

In fact, any final decision will probably rest with the FA. The new National League rule book which takes effect from the start of the new season, says that "clubs whose grounds are deemed unsatisfactory shall be relegated to a step determined by the FA."

The league's management committee won its argument at the AGM over the Murton issue, and Amos pointed out: "We felt the need to act because so many clubs had made enormous efforts at great cost of time and money, to improve and move on.

"Sometimes, perhaps, the investment on the ground had been at the expense of investment in the team.

"How could we justify the demands on them, how indeed could we look them in the eye, if other clubs had done nothing? I have said many times that we do not look for palaces, but nor ought we to accept the pits."

Chester-le-Street Town are looking for a new youth team manager/coach for season 2004/05.

General Manager Joe Burlison said: "Andrew Muxworthy, who has managed the youngsters for a number of seasons, is unable devote as much time next season therefore we need someone with coaching experience and who has a feel for youth football to come in and take the reins. Andrew will still be involved with things at the club helping youngsters make the transition from the youth team into the first team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone to join a good set up and work with a great bunch of lads."

The youth side who play in the Fairs Software Tyneside Junior League and have once again entered the prestigious FA Youth Cup - last season setting a North-East record for a non-league club by reaching the fourth round proper before eventually bowing out at West Ham United. No fewer than six of last season's squad played for the senior team at some stage and hopefully they will all be involved again next season, while the under-18s will have at least six of last seasons squad available plus new signings which Muxworthy has worked on during the close season.

Applications are invited to general manager Joe Burlison on 0772 0522435 or Andrew Muxworthy on (0191) 3703998 or 07906607046; or write to the club at Chester-le-Street Town F.C., Moor Park, Chester Moor, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, DH2 3RW.

Meanwhile, Chester are mourning the loss of long serving press officer Jack Thornback, who passed away last week.

The league's annual curtain-raiser, the Cleator Cup between Dunston and Durham will be played at Dunston on Saturday, August 7 (3pm).

Marske United have ended their long search for a new manager by appointing Darren Trotter.

Marske have spent two months looking for someone to fill their vacancy - they had 22 applicants - after Micky Hodgson resigned near the end of March, and chairman John Hodgson said: "We were all very impressed by Darren at his interview.

"He's very highly qualified for the job having taken his FA coaching badges, and he's been working at the Hartlepool School of Excellence.

"We've been looking for somebody with a bit of knowledge, and hopefully he'll do well." The 34-year-old also played for Norton in the Second Division.

Long-serving defender Michael Kinnair will be his assistant.

North Shields are eagerly looking forward to their Northern League return.

Shields left the league 15 years ago for the pyramid and the Northern Counties East League, but the venture fell flat when they were refused admission to the UniBond League shortly after.

And then two years ago, they were denied access to the Northern League after winning the Wearside League because a promotion agreement didn't exist then between the two leagues.

Now that an agreement is in existence and thanks to automatic promotion, Shields are back, but not on their old ground. Appleby Park was sold for development, and instead they are now playing on Ralph Gardner Park nearby.

Chairman Alan Matthews said: "We can't wait for the kick off.

"I was just a supporter when the club folded, and with a few others from that time, we can't wait to play again in the Northern League. We've learned a lot during the last 12 years in the Wearside League.

"We've built ourselves a new ground with good facilities, and it's all systems go."

Matthews has held talks with the club president, former Newcastle legend Malcolm MacDonald, and both of them agree on what the club's aim is in the new season.

"We're not aiming to consolidate, we're going for promotion. If we sit back, that might be dangerous, because we might be relegated at the end of the season."

Under the management of Wilf Keilty, Shields won the Shipowners Cup as well as the Wearside League last season, but they might have a problem with some of their playing staff, as they could be tied to other Northern League clubs.

Shields' first game on their return is at home to Seaham Red Star on August 14.