Whickham have announced that Neil Saxton is their new manager.

Saxton, the son of former Sunderland boss Bobby, was on the coaching staff at the Glebe under previous manager Terry Ritson, and has agreed to take on full responsibility for the side after talks with the club.

Secretary Paul Nicholson said: “Neil arrived last year to help Terry, and he’s really enjoyed it. As a club, we like to keep things internal. He needed a bit of time to think about the offer, which is understandable because it’s his first time as a manager, and we’re pleased he’s accepted it.

“Hopefully, he can take the club forward, and make a push for promotion next season. We finished sixth in the season just finished, and hopefully we can improve again.”

Saxton will be helped by Kris Holmes and Paul Cavanagh.