By Martin Walker
Defender Darren Craddock has opted to stay with Newton Aycliffe for the 2012-13 season, despite intense interest from other clubs.
The 27-year-old centre-back enjoyed an inspirational debut season in the Northern League, helping his hometown club consolidate in what was their first top-flight campaign.
Other big-spending clubs have tried to tempt Craddock away from Moore Lane Park, but the former Hartlepool United man has decided to stay with Allan Oliver’s side, because of “a gut feeling”.
“I had chances to go elsewhere but my footballing future is with Aycliffe, it’s a great club, great people and I’m looking forward to next season now,” he said.
Craddock signed for Aycliffe last summer after one-year stints with Whitby Town, Blyth Spartans and the now defunct Newcastle Blue Star.
He made over 30 Football League appearances for Pools before signing for York City in 2006, spending two years with the Minstermen playing almost 70 times in the Football Conference.
Craddock played 44 games for Aycliffe last season, winning six man-of-the-match awards, and is widely-tipped to pick up a Player of the Year award at the club’s presentation night next month.
Manager Allan Oliver said: “We’re over the moon to keep Darren, he was one of the main back bones of the team last season and we had one of the most careful defences in the league, only three teams conceded less than us and he was absolutely pivotal in that.
“A few teams were after him, but he’s an Aycliffe lad and he really enjoyed himself here last season.
“We’re delighted he’s staying and so are the fans, so it’s brilliant.”
Aycliffe Today will bring you Video Interviews with both Craddock and Oliver, plus more Aycliffe FC news, this week.