Tow Law manager Steve Smith is delighted with the return of striker Andy McKenna after injury, writes RAY SIMPSON.

McKenna missed most of last season after being the league's top scorer at the end of September, but it looks as if he has fully recovered from his knee injury.

Smith, appointed in July, said: "Andy has played in every friendly so far, and has looked really sharp. Hopefully his injury is now behind him."

Smith has raided his old club Prudhoe for defenders Andy Armstrong and Marcelle Lundy, and has also signed full back Lee Collings from Shildon and midfielder Lee Fitzgerald from Jarrow Roofing.

Midfielders David Hunter and Gavin Naylor, as well as striker Ian Matthews, have all been placed on the transfer list at their own request.

West Auckland manager Peter Mulcaster is ringing the changes as he builds his squad for the start of the new season.

Mulcaster, who took over from Alan Oliver in June, has signed former Spennymoor midfielder Andy Howarth from Northallerton, and midfielder Brian Fairhurst, who started last season at Shildon, from Prudhoe.

However, midfielder James Lang has returned to his old club Alnwick, and Phil Nicholson has gone to Prudhoe. Former Darlington players Phil Brumwell and Michael Carter have both gone to Whitley Bay, and full back Ray Stanger has departed for Durham City.

Evenwood manager Ken Houlahan has signed several players as he builds on youth for the new season.

He has brought in defender Michael Heckley from Washington Nissan and Mattie Moffat from West Auckland, while he is also eyeing local football for talent.

Another close season signing, Wayne Brown, scored one of the goals in a 4-1 friendly win over Wolviston last week.

Meanwhile, striker Kevin Shoulder has been transferred to Willington, and defender Adam Reid to Shildon.

Shildon, who trounced Glasshoughton 6-1 in a friendly last week,have signed midfielder James Chapman from Billingham Town.

Crook Town have re-signed two of their former players. Centre half Ian McGraghan and midfielder Dave Neil have both returned to the club, while Crook have also signed Martin Mann from Seaham and Michael Sutcliffe from local football.

Crook defeated Coxhoe 3-0 in a friendly on Wednesday night, with Paul Bayles (2) and David Snow the scorers. Crook are at home to Harrogate RA tomorrow.

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Bishop Auckland have been hit by the news that keeper John Caffrey could miss the start of the new season on August 16th.

Caffrey, who helped to guide Bishops away from relegation danger in the second half of the season, has suffered a knee injury which could force manager Brian Honour to look for a new keeper.

"The first impressions are that we might have to look for a new keeper until John is fit again," said Honour. "We don't know how badly injured he is. It's a big pity, because that has been the only black cloud in our pre-season friendly programme. Everybody has worked hard and looked fit."

Bishops are at Horden tomorrow.

Spennymoor manager Alex Mathie believes that he is close to finalising his squad for the season.

"I'm quite comfortable with what I've got," he said. "However, I'm still looking for another player, a left sided midfielder, then I'll be close enough to the 16 I want. I'm happy with the progress we're making" Mathie's most recent recruit is midfielder Andrew Brown from Marske United.

Whitby Town striker Aron Wilford has signed a one year deal with Third Division club York City. Wilford was signed from Scarborough in March last year

Former Darlington player Mark Ford, who was released at the end of last season, has joined Harrogate Town.