Bishop Auckland chairman Terry Jackson is looking forward to a new beginning when Bishops kick off their UniBond League season tomorrow, writes RAY SIMPSON.

Bishops, who were forcibly demoted to the First Division at the end of last season because Shildon's ground wasn't up to standard, take on Lincoln United at Dean Street in the first of three straight home games.

Jackson, who took over the chairmanship during the summer, said: "This is a complete new beginning for us.

"It is an historic occasion for the club, because we won't be playing our home games in Bishop itself. Instead, we'll be playing our matches at Shildon, who have been fantastic towards us since we agreed to groundshare with them until we can build at Tindale Crescent.

"With all due respect to our old ground, Kingsway, Shildon is a much better ground. It would have cost us a considerable amount of money to even repair Kingsway. For example, our main stand wasn't in the best of conditions, plus we would have been prevented from progressing further up the system.

Both ourselves and Shildon have worked hard to improve the facilities at Dean Street.

"But as well as people coming to matches from Bishop Auckland, we would like people from Shildon to come along and watch UniBond football as well. The response we are getting from the local community is superb, and hopefully that will continue.

"Our manager, Alan Shoulder, is also bringing in players who we are hoping will help us towards promotion."

Albany Northern League club Jarrow Roofing have parted company with coach Colin Richardson "by mutual consent".

The vastly experienced Richardson, who has managed several north east clubs plus Bridlington and Doncaster in Yorkshire, arrived at Jarrow in the middle of last season, and helped to steer them away from the relegation zone.

But club chairman and owner Richie McLoughlin and Richardson have decided to go their separate ways. Former Newcastle defender Wes Saunders is now helping with the coaching.

Whitby gave a trial to former Middlesbrough and Derby centre half Simon Coleman in a friendly in midweek.

Coleman, 34, was released by Rochdale at the end of his contract, and is now looking for a non-league club, although Whitby face competition for his signature.

Whitby also gave a trial to Phil Brumwell, who was released by Darlington at the end of last season.

ANTH Lormor, who was released by Hartlepool at the end of last season, has signed a one-year deal with Nationwide Conference club Telford United.

West Auckland have arranged a friendly against a Sunderland XI on Tuesday, August 27.

West general manager Stuart Alderson has a good relationship with Sunderland, who will send a reserve team to Darlington Road.

West play the game only a day after they are due to play at Shildon on Bank Holiday Monday morning.

Former Darlington player Paul Ward has been appointed manager of Northern Counties East League side Hatfield Main. Ward became the youngest manager in Football League history when he was appointed Darlington manager after the sacking of Cyril Knowles in 1987, and he then went on to play for several Football League clubs. He is no stranger to non-league management, having been in charge of Harrogate Town and others. Another former Darlington player, Mark Hine, has been appointed player-coach at UniBond League club Frickley.

Chester-le-Street have signed midfielder David Baxter from Durham City, and hope to complete the signing of two more players before their opening game at Esh Winning.

Chester have also signed sponsorship deals with three local firms: Tyne Tees Telecom, Windows Elite and Aquazur.

Durham City manager Brian Honour was delighted with victory against Bedlington in the Cleator Cup last weekend - but he knows that he can't take anything for granted.

City won 3-0 against the league champions, although they didn't have the game all their own way.

"We were second best in the first half," said Honour, "and we didn't deserve to be leading at half time. But once we went 3-0 up in the second half, we could have scored another."

The result means that Durham are unbeaten in their pre-season build up against non league opposition. "The win will do us the power of good, but I'd rather take three points off Bedlington in the league."

Durham included left back Simon Hope, who has been freed by Coventry, in their line up, but it looks as if they have missed out on former Newcastle and Darlington midfielder Stuart Elliott, who has gone to Halifax.

City are without a game on the opening day of the Northern League season tomorrow, so their first game is at Shildon on Tuesday night.

The Northern League kicks off its season tonight when Hebburn host South Shields in a Division Two game.