By Paul McGeary
Peter Dixon showed no sign of ending his recruitment drive as he signed three more players before Newton Aycliffe’s game with Durham City at the weekend, bringing his total of new faces to seven in his first week in charge.
West Auckland midfielder Liam Henderson, Shildon defender Mark Stephenson and Bedlington Terriers forward Conor Winter all played a part in Saturday’s trip to Durham City.
With offers currently lodged at two more Northern League clubs concerning defensive reinforcement, Aycliffe could take to the field next week against Dunston with a starting XI barely resembling the one which finished Allan Oliver’s final game in charge just over a week ago.
With Paul Garthwaite, Ashley Coffey and Stuart Banks having already joined from West Auckland last week, Dixon returned to Darlington Road to secure the signature of midfielder Henderson.
The 22-year-old spent last season with West, having previously played for South Shields and Newcastle Benfield after being released by Newcastle United as a trainee.
Another former West player, more recently with Shildon, Stephenson became the sixth player to join the Royal Blues, as the commanding centre half put pen to paper on Friday evening.
Former Durham City striker Winter has also signed for the club, having been transfer listed at Bedlington Terriers.
Winter, who once scored for the Citizens against his new club has also played for Sunderland RCA, Hebburn Town and Seaham Red Star.