THE DOOR to the Northern League has reopened for Wearside League club Stokesley.

They were told by the FA last week that an appeal against not having an inspection would be pointless if the Northern League were unaware they wanted one. But the Northern League says it will adopt a flexible attitude towards Stokesley if all the other parties concerned do so as well.

League chairman Mike Amos said: "We accept that what has happened is not Stokesley's fault.

"We're prepared to be flexible, if other people are also prepared to be flexible. We want to act in a positive and enlightened manner and compensate for other people's mistakes.

"The FA have accepted that we knew nothing at all about Stokesley's application last year, but if the FA and the Wearside League agree, then we will accept them subject to their ground being up to standard and they finish in the top two of the Wearside League at the end of the season.

"We will be happy to go and inspect them if the FA give us the nod."

Stokesley are on course for a top two finish in the Wearside League and if they are admitted to the Northern League then the second division will operate with 21 clubs next season, while the first division will operate with 22, taking Bishop Auckland's return into account. Only Peterlee will be relegated to the Northern Alliance.

THE body representing Spennymoor supporters, SUISA, has passed a vote of no confidence in the Brewery Field board and said they want former chairman Alan Murray to return to the club.

A SUISA statement expressed its "dissatisfaction" with events that have taken place at the club since last summer.

A spokesman said: "The supporters association was formed last year following the collapse of Spennymoor United in an endeavour to ensure football survived in the town.

"In return for abandoning their bid for the lease the association were offered representation on the board and promised a say in the running of the club. Supporters were made a range of promises regarding financial stability, consultation and rebuilding of the social club.

"From almost day one the supporters' representatives were frozen out of the decision-making process and it became very clear that the current board were not interested in any form of dialogue or co-operation. Further, a range of incidents left large sections of the club's support deeply offended.

"Matters came to a head recently when chairman Alan Murray announced the appointment of Jamie Pollock and Jason Ainsley as the new management team. The board issued a rebuke shortly afterwards and then attempted to force out Alan Murray, insisting that they were unaware of Murray's move.

"This was done by means of a vote of no confidence, something that the supporters regard as void owing to the fact that none of the three supporters' representatives were informed of the meeting. This has left the club without its benefactor and this must cast serious doubts over the financial viability of the club.

"If the club can survive the future looks bleak indeed, there must be little or no money to build a squad and the only potential can be for year after year of Northern League Second Division football with little prospect of winning anything.

SUISA do not consider this an appropriate future for one of the region's biggest and most famous non league sides.

"At a meeting, following discussion, a vote of confidence/no Confidence was cast and the result was a unanimous no confidence. It was resolved that a letter be written to the Town Council urging them to reconsider allowing the current board to use the facility and to make them aware of our serious concerns over the viability of the club from the point of view of both supporters and ratepayers.

"The Association understands that Alan Murray is keen to return to the club, together with Jamie and Jason. Support for Alan Murray's return was unanimous and is seen by the supporters as the only real option for the club. The only obstacle being the obstinate current board who are seen as totally out of touch with the supporters and the wider community and calls were raised at the meeting for their immediate resignation, given that they now appear to have nothing to offer the people of Spennymoor."

GUISBOROUGH have organised a launch evening as they rebuild for next season.

After a wretched start to the 2005/06, Guisborough picked themselves up under new manager Andy Toman and just avoided finishing in the bottom two. Now chairman Sandy MacKenzie has organised a launch evening at Gisborough Hall on Wednesday, May 24 at 7.30pm to encourage various initiatives.

He said: "The objective of the evening is to raise awareness towards a long-term multi-sports community development programme for the town and surrounding areas, soliciting views and opinions amongst selected business groups.

"The demise of Guisborough Town Football Club has been well publicised over recent seasons. In November 2005 the club was on the verge of extinction and only intervention by people aware of the club's value to the community, sport and businessrelated, steered the club to a temporary state of safety.

"Breathing space has been gained, which needs to be used to form longterm strategies, focusing on grassroots development and continual improvement, creating stability for the club and community.

The task is not easy and will not be a quick fix because previous management shortfalls created serious problems."

Tickets for the event, which includes Alan Peacock's Legends Forum and entertainment from comedian Micky Gunn, cost £15.

CHESTER-LE-STREET'S leading scorer Phil Bell has turned down the offer of a new contract and he could be on his way to Whitley Bay.

Bell has become one of Chester's leading players since he arrived from Ryhope two seasons ago and last season scored 17 league goals, but he has turned down a new deal.

However, Jonny Wightman and Andy Cuthbertson are both staying at Chester Moor.

DUNSTON have strengthened their squad by signing Bedlington striker Steve Preen who scored 15 league last season. He will form a potent strikeforce with Graeme Armstrong who was Division One's leading scorer last season with 36 goals. Armstrong has already signed for Dunston for next season.

SHILDON held their presentation night last week, and awards were made to Ralph Petitjean (player of the season), Tom Ptak (players' player of the season and supporters' player of the season) and leading scorer Wayne Gredziak.

TOW Law holds its end of season awards night tonight, in the clubhouse, from 7.30pm. The club's annual meeting is on Sunday at 7.30pm. All supporters are welcome.