Crook's new manager Alan Oliver is hoping to revive a sleeping giant at the Millfield.

Crook, with a glorious history, go into today's game at Second Division leaders Consett precariously close to the relegation zone.

Oliver, who quit West Auckland during the summer, said: "Crook is a big town, and there's the potential for good crowds, as long as they have something good to watch.

"My first priority is to get them safe, and then let's see what we can do from there."

His first signing is keeper Andrew Sams, from Tow Law, and he makes his debut today.

Oliver will take up a watching brief today and caretaker manager Les Langley, who took charge for the 4-0 win over Shotton last week, will pick the team.

Consett, 14 points clear, include new signing Alan Hood, signed from Seaham Red Star, but striker Michael Pitt is suspended.

Also on the move is former Middlesbrough striker Stan Cummins, who yesterday quit as manager of Second Division strugglers Shotton, who face Alnwick today.

Cummins was appointed in September, but has been unable to lift the club away from relegation danger. He said: "I don't see eye to eye on some things with the chairman, and I decided enough was enough."

First Division leaders Durham City have eight players doubtful for their derby against Brandon. They hope Sam Kitchen, John Hutton and Justin Keegan pass late fitness tests.

Brandon will give full back Anth McStea a fitness test, while defenders Chris Neil and Rob Bowman, as well as striker Tony Healer, return.

Second-placed Bedlington visit Esh Winning without striker John Milner, who has an ankle injury, while keeper Gareth Powell, Tony Chapman and Robbie Cockburn face fitness tests.

Esh will give leading scorer Gary Messer a fitness test, while midfielder Michael Dawson returns.

Shildon visit Dunston, who like them appeared in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Defender Jamie Middleton is likely to return to the Shildon line up, while Dunston are without suspended midfielder Michael Robson, but striker Paul Hogg returns.

West Auckland, who have yet to win under Alex Mathie, welcome back Phil McGuire after injury at home to Billingham Synthonia, who are unbeaten in six. Lee Flanagan, Dave Connor, Tommy Marron and Neil Radigan are all missing for Synners.

Washington, who are just above the relegation zone, are at home to third-placed Whitley Bay, and welcome back defender Paul Robinson and midfielder Michael Graver, but Darryl Smith and John Lydon are both ruled out.

Jarrow Roofing, who are in fourth, are without leading scorer Paul Chow, who has a head injury, for their game at Morpeth.

Horden include new signing Lee Crosby, signed from Jarrow Roofing, in their squad at home to Guisborough, but Micky Gough is out through injury. Striker Steve Manson and midfielder Stuart Jewson could both return.

Marske include Glen Sweeney, signed from Guisborough, in their squad at Billingham Town. They are missing striker Lee Alexander, but midfielder Steve Boyle returns.

Town, who are fifth bottom but have plenty of games in hand, are without suspended striker Dave Turner and injured midfielder Robbie Hutchinson, but Paul Coleby and Sean Howes return.

Thornaby are hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to seven matches at home to Peterlee, and will give defender Nicky Mohan a late fitness test. Peterlee are without defender Lee Bythway and midfielder Steve Cochrane, while they include new midfielder Chris Leadbitter, once of Whitby.

Chester-le-Street hope to end their run of seven games without a win at home to bottom club Penrith, and could make changes.

In the other second division matches, Washington Nissan include new signing Peter Ould from Easington for their game at Prudhoe, who are managed by former Nissan boss Gavin Liddle.

Evenwood, who are on the fringe of the promotion race, are without midfielder Stephen Houlahan because of suspension at home to Newcastle Blue Star, who haven't lost in six matches.

Newcastle Benfield Saints include new midfielder Carl Heiniger from Seaham Red Star in their squad at home to Hebburn.

Easington include new keeper Andy Ruddock in their team at Kennek Ryhope CA, who are hoping their keeper, Gary Ventress, can return after injury.

Willington welcome back Brett Cummings and Steve Parnaby at home to Northallerton.

Norton include new striker Brian Cole from Billingham Town at home to Seaham Red Star.