By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe have been boosted with the re-signing of eight players.
Chairman and assistant manager Gary Farley took the Aycliffe squad for their first pre-season training session on Wednesday evening.
Eight of the players who finished last season with the Newtonians have signed up for the 2012-13 campaign, despite numerous offers from other clubs including Northern League heavyweights Darlington.
It’s believed Quakers spoke to Aycliffe skipper Sean Tarling and goalkeeper Scott Pocklington earlier this summer – but the pair have both opted to stay with their hometown club, along with centre-back Darren Craddock, who also turned down other offers.
John Close, Stuart Owen, Anth Campbell, James Oliver, Josh Knox and Fred Woodhouse have also boosted the club by signing on.
“It’s fantastic news for the club,” said boss Allan Oliver, who has already made three new signings this summer in the shape of striker Gavin Barton, winger Kris Hughes and midfielder Martin Young.
“But we’re not finished yet. People have left the club for various reasons, and new people will come in, that’s the nature of football.
“Some players get better offers elsewhere and there’s no hard feelings.
“We may have to look at a few players from the lower league who can make the step up and fill the gap.”