Spennymoor manager Tony Lee is chasing five players to strengthen his squad for the new UniBond League season.

Moors just missed out on a play off final after being relegation candidates at Christmas, but now Lee feels that Moors can press for promotion right from the first whistle if he can be successful in the transfer market.

Lee won't disclose who he's chasing, but he hopes that the players he has in mind will improve the quality of his squad.

One target is definitely a goalkeeper, because Jim Provett has returned to Hartlepool. "He did really well for himself, and for us," said Lee. "He put in some excellent performances, and he was one of the reasons why we were pushing for a play off place.

"I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes a regular in the Hartlepool first team squad."

Lee outlined his plans for the season at a fans' forum last week at the Brewery Field, and he said: "I believe that I can put the best team in the North-East together here at Spennymoor. If I can get the backing from all concerned, then I'm sure I can do it."

The fans were also given some details about the ongoing negotiations with the Town Council regarding the lease of the Brewery Field.

Chairman Barrie Hindmarch, who is now entering his 33rd year as chairman, said: "We've turned the corner in so many ways over the last few months, both on the field and off it. Hopefully, it won't fall down because of one thing."

Durham City manager Brian Honour has completed two signings as he builds for the new season.

Honour, who watched his side fall one step short of an FA Vase final appearance when they lost to Whitley Bay last season, has signed keeper Adam Clementson from Whitley Bay and former Sunderland striker John Moore following his return from Singapore.

Moore has played in the League before, but has played for the last six years in Singapore.

Honour is also chasing several other players, but hasn't yet made a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Honour's team will be playing their two Third Division neighbours in pre-season friendlies. His first club, Darlington, visit New Ferens Park on July 16, and Hartlepool, the club with which he is more associated, will play a friendly on July 30.

Durham's friendlies: Amble (away) July 13, Darlington (home) July 16, Crook Town (away) July 20, South Shields (away) July 27, Hartlepool (home) July 30, Ossett Albion (away) August 3, Bedlington (away, Cleator Cup) August 10.

However, Durham are the odd team out on the first day of the Northern League season, and their first fixture isn't until the following Wednesday when they go to promoted Shildon in a repeat of their League Cup final, which Durham won on a golden goal.

South Shields have appointed Dave Tate as their new manager.

Tate has been in charge of Washington IH and helped them to promotion to the First Division two seasons ago, but he has decided to move the short distance along the road to South Shields, where previous boss Mattie Pearson quit near the end of the season.

Defending champions Bedlington begin the new Albany Northern League campaign with a home game against Jarrow Roofing on Saturday August 17. Roofing stunned the five times champions by defeating them early last season.

Runners up Tow Law start with an away game at Newcastle Blue Star, while Second Division champions Shildon are at Billingham Town

Full first day's fixtures - Division One: Bedlington v Jarrow Roofing, Billingham Town v Shildon, Consett v Guisborough, Esh Winning v Chester-le-Street, Marske United v West Auckland, Morpeth v Brandon, Newcastle Blue Star v Tow Law, Peterlee v Dunston, Washington v Prudhoe, Whitley Bay v Billingham Synthonia.

Division Two: Alnwick v Whickham, Ashington v Seaham Red Star, Easington v Norton, Eppleton v Evenwood, Kennek Ryhope CA v Horden, Murton v Washington Nissan, Penrith v Shotton, South Shields v Hebburn, Thornaby v Northallerton, Willington v Crook Town.

Ashington have appointed Tony Harrison as their new manager at Portland Park.

Harrison, who played in goal for several Northern League clubs, has taken over from Cec Irwin, who quit as boss after the Colliers were relegated last season, after 17 years of trying to climb out of the Second Division.

Harrison has effectively dropped down a division, because he took Prudhoe to promotion from the Second Division, along with Shildon and Esh Winning, as well as victory in the Craven Cup final Prudhoe have yet to appoint a successor.

Former Bishop Auckland defender, Micky Nelson, has joined Harrogate Town after being released by Third Division Bury. Nelson left Kingsway last year and got off to a good start at Gigg Lane, but the cash-strapped outfit have let him sign for the Neil Aspin-managed club who are now in the First Division of the UniBond