Crook Town have gained a major face lift in their bid to regain former glories - starting with trying to regain a spot in the top flight of the Albany Northern League at the first attempt.

Newcastle-born Dave Buchanan has accepted the job of general manager, taking control of football matters, while Ronan Liddane, the former Whitley Bay and Blyth player is the new manager, Dennis Pinkney taking the role of assistant manager with Phil Leaver, former Newcastle Blue Star and Durham City player, as coach.

Buchanan, a striker, made 33 appearances for Leicester scoring seven goals and played alongside Gary Lineker.

He joined Sunderland from non-League Blyth Spartans in the 1986-87 season scoring eight goals in 34 appearances.

He won England Youth International caps between 1978 to 1980 and was a member of the England semi-professional team in 1985-86.

He has also made Football League appearances for Northampton Town, Peterborough and York City.

Crook's chief executive, Tom Chopra, is asking Crook supporters to be patient during the summer as he tries to improve the club's financial standing.

He said: "The whole intention is to build the team that will give Crook Town supporters something to cheer about."

l The organisation of the Crook's golf day, which will be held at Crook golf club on June 15, is in full swing. There are still vacancies and teams of four at £25 per player can still enter. The first prize is to the value of £400. Please contact Stephen Buddle (01388) 764004 or Alan Stewart (01388) 765767.