One of Spennymoor’s favourite sons, Keith Graydon, says he’s looking forward to a new challenge at Morpeth.

Graydon said farewell to his team mates after the Darlington game in the Evo-Stik League last week, and has moved back into the Northern League with first division Morpeth.

He has been with Moors for five seasons, having joined them from Durham City, soon after the start of the 2009-10 season.

“I joined Spennymoor at the same time as my mate, Lewis Dodds,” he said. “Jason (Ainsley) was strengthening the team that had just finished midtable in the Northern League the season before, and he wanted me and Lewis to play together in centre midfield. It’ll be strange not having Lewis alongside me in midfield any more, running around like a mad dog!

“Jason made a few more good signings, and the rest, as they say, is history. In the next five seasons, we won every competition that we entered apart from the FA Cup.”

Graydon will always be remembered as one of the best attacking midfielders in the Northern League in recent times – certainly Moors fans will remember many a trademark free kick curled over an opposing defensive wall into the top corner – but he carved his own unforgettable place in Moors’ history when he scored a glorious late goal to win the FA Vase for Moors against Tunbridge Wells in the 2013 final.

“In terms of the cup competitions, the FA Vase was obviously a big highlight for me, and scoring the winner. It was great for us to win, and none more so than for the town of Spennymoor. For 15,000 people to turn out for the open bus tour on the Monday following was amazing. I didn’t know that many people lived in the town! Everyone turned out.

“People tell me that they still talk about it, and for me, it’s a nice memory to take forward to Morpeth, because we have a big Vase tie next week.

“In terms of the league, winning the Northern League title again last season takes some beating. We’d won it three years in a row, then finished second to Darlington, and to regain it last season was fantastic. It’s a long hard season in the Northern League, and you have to play well in 42, 44 or 46 matches, plus it’s a very competitive league.

“People said that Darlington won it because we were deeply involved with the Vase, but that’s a little harsh because they still won 40 out of 46 matches, which takes some doing.”

However, during the summer, manager Ainsley strengthened his squad by bringing in Shane Henry to add competition for places, and Graydon found himself sitting in frustration on the subs’ bench.

“I couldn’t argue with Jason. When I was out of the team, they won plenty of games, and I couldn’t get my place back because of the form of the others.

“I only played five minutes here or ten minutes there, and so the rest of the time I was sitting on the bench, just watching games – and I found that awkward and hard. I’m the sort of bloke who wants to contribute all the time.

“I think the only game I started was in the Durham Challenge Cup against Darlington. I could have stayed at the club and waited for my chance, but it might never have come.

“Going to Morpeth is a new challenge for me, and will be something different. I was very impressed by the Morpeth chairman, Ken Beattie and the Morpeth manager Nick Gray when I met them. They are two genuine honest people, who are trying to lay good foundations for the club. Nick is very knowledgeable, having played as a pro and is still working in the game.

“But before I really get into the challenge, I need to build up my fitness – especially with a big Vase tie coming up!”

Morpeth manager Nick Gray says that signing Graydon is like moving up another level and said; “Keith is exactly the sort of person we need in the team. He’s got plenty of experience, and hopefully he’ll help us become a more consistent team. It’s a big step for Morpeth bringing a player like him to the club.”