Billingham Synthonia have been hit by the decision of leading scorer Lee Flanagan to move to Gateshead, writes Ray Simpson.

Flanagan was Synners' leading scorer with over 40 goals last season, but he has decided to switch to UniBond League football.

Synners' secretary Graham Craggs said: "He'll be a big miss for us, but our manager, Stuart Coleby, is trying to replace him."

Veteran striker John Grady has quit as player-coach at Seaham Red Star.

Grady, who has played for several clubs in the Northern League, joined the club in the closing stages of last season, and helped manager Wilf Constantine with the coaching, as well as playing in a few games.

But he has decided to quit for "personal reasons."

Constantine has appointed former Hartlepool BWOB coach Jimmy Costello as coach, while former Easington chairman Tommy Goodrum has arrived as general manager.

Constantine, meanwhile, has been very busy in the transfer market, and has signed eight players in readiness for the start of their Second Division campaign.

Shildon's first home Northern League game of the season against Durham City has been moved from Wednesday August 21 to the night before. This is to avoid a clash with Bishop Auckland's home game in the UniBond League on the Wednesday against North Ferriby.

There are six fixture clashes at Dean Street this season with Shildon and Bishops groundsharing, and Shildon are trying to re-arrange their matches accordingly. There is the possibility of a Friday night game later in the season.

Whitby Town's appeal for cash to the local community has started, but they are still some way short of their £40,000 target to replace their main stand at the Turnbull Ground. They made a tidy five figure sum from their FA Cup run last season, but they are still some way short.

Whitby start their UniBond league fixtures with a home game against Colwyn Bay on August 17th, then they face two away trips to the Manchester area - to Ashton United on August 20th and Hyde four days later.

Former Darlington striker Clint Marcelle has joined Harrogate Town from the UniBond League Premier Division. Marcelle only figured once for Darlington last season after Tommy Taylor was appointed manager, and was released at the end of the season.

Dunston could be without Danny Shore and Neil Shotton when the season gets underway.

The pair were sent off in a bad tempered friendly at Norton, and face at least a fortnight's suspension in September. Dunston midfielder Gary Forbes has decided to retire.

West Auckland have denied that striker Roy Allen is leaving the club.

Allen, who destroyed Ashington with nine goals in a game last season, has been linked with two other clubs, but West have said that he is staying.

Peterlee have signed former Tow Law keeper Stuart Dawson.

Dawson was playing for Scottish First Division club Queen of the South last season, and before that played for Spennymoor and a couple of clubs in the Northern League. Dawson was part of the Tow Law team which lost in the final of the Vase in 1998.

Durham City have announced an extension to their sponsorship with local builders merchants, Archibalds.

Archibalds have been a sponsor of the Football Club for the past five years, sponsoring both on and off the field events, and from this season they will also be the Stadium sponsor.

Archibalds Merchant Director, Doug Emmerson, said: "For 160 years the name Archibalds has been associated with Durham City. As we expand our business, so do we wish to associate ourselves with the name and ambition of the city's football club. The football ground which is to be known as the Archibalds Stadium has the reputation of being one of the finest Non-League grounds in the country, and with our support will have a team to enhance the narne of our famous and beautiful city".

Durham City Chairman, Stewart Dawson said: " I am delighted with the support provided by Archibalds and this Stadium sponsorship is a further strengthening of the bond between the football club and the city. With the support of business and the community we hope to take the team forward and surpass the progress of the last few years".

The first games at the newly named Archibalds Stadium are Monday, August 12 against Hartlepool United (7.15pm) and Thursday, August 15 against a Newcastle United XI (7pm).

Tickets for stand seats for both games are now on sale. For further Information ring (0191)386 9616.

Monday's game at the Archibalds Stadium against Hartlepool United will bring back memories for City's manager, Brian Honour, who played and coached for his home-town club for many years, and still has a strong bond with the supporters. City also have a number of ex Hartlepool players Including Stephen Halliday, who has just signed for City from Carlisle United, Stuart Irvine, Stuart Brightwell, Michael Dunwell and Craig Lake.

The Albany Northern League stages its annual curtain raiser when Bedlington Terriers, the league champions, take on Durham City, the League Cup winners, at Welfare Park tomorrow for the Cleator Cup.

The game is becoming an annual fixture somewhat for Bedlington, as they have won the league for the last five seasons. Durham, meanwhile, will be looking at the game as a measure of how they compare with Bedlington after making several signings during the summer.

Former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder Chris Waddle has signed for Glapwell in the Northern Counties East League. Waddle, who started his career at Tow Law before moving on to the professional game, has been at Worksop in the UniBond League.

Unfortunately for any North-East clubs hoping for a financial boost, Glapwell haven't been drawn against anybody from this area in the FA Cup and FA Vase.

Bishop Auckland gave outings to several triallists in their friendly against Bolton at Shildon on Tuesday night.

Manager Alan Shoulder included three in his starting line up. Keeper Louis Crayton is from Liberia and has played for his country, while Kelechi Okorie was at left back and Shaz Naraghi on the left side of midfield.

Another midfielder, Jamil Albarq, came on for the second half.

All four are understood to be looking for clubs in this country, with Crayton probably having the best chance after a solid display in between the posts. Bishops had a squad of 16 players on the night, but several others were unavailable.

Bolton included former Scottish international Colin Hendry, who is working his way back to full fitness.