NEW Northallerton Town FC manager Peter Mulcaster has made six new signings as he prepares for the coming season.

Mulcaster, who has returned to the club after leaving in February 2000 in order to take the manager's job at Spennymoor United, has brought in former Norton and Stockton Ancients assistant manager Andy Boynton as his number two.

Also joining the club, who hope to make a big impression in the Albany Northern League Division Two this season, are former Darlington player Mark Forster, who was team manager at first division Guisborough Town last season. This will be Forster's second spell at the club after playing in the very successful side of 1993-94.

Other new signings include Mick Pugh and Alex Degiorgis from Norton & Stockton Ancients, Jerry Pratt and Matthew Cook from Spennymoor United and Danny Jones from Thornaby.

Town have lost last season's leading scorer Dave Lawson to UniBond Premier League side Whitby Town and Andrew Davies has left for Norton.

Town begin their league fixtures on August 18 with a home game against Prudhoe Town and in Albany Northern League challenge cup they have been drawn away to First Division Peterlee Newtown on August 22.

In the AXA FA Cup preliminary round Town have an attractive home tie on September 1 against UniBond League Division One side Chorley . In the Carlsberg FA Vase they have received a bye in the first qualifying round and in the second qualifying round they are at home to the winners of the West Auckland Town v Ashington tie who both play in the ANL First Division.

Town begin their pre-season friendlies this Wednesday night when Guisborough Town are the visitors. The following night they entertain UniBond Premier League side Barrow. Gateshead, also from the UniBond Premier League visit on Wednesday, August 1. This is followed with three home games against Northern League Division One sides, Dunston FB (Saturday, August 4), Whitley Bay (Wednesday, August 8) and finally Billingham Town (Saturday, August 11).

All evening games kick-off at 7.30 and Saturday games at 3pm. Usual league admission charges apply.