By Martin Walker
Darren Craddock says it was a “gut feeling” which prompted him to stay at Newton Aycliffe.
The defender had several “good offers” on the table from other clubs this summer – it’s been reported Northern League money-bags Spennymoor and derby rivals Shildon tried to tempt the former Hartlepool United man away from Moore Lane Park.
But Craddock decided to stay for footballing reasons – saying he’s enjoyed playing for his hometown club that much, and everyone behind the scenes.
“I had chances to go elsewhere but my footballing future is with Aycliffe,” he told Aycliffe Today.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HIS VIDEO INTERVIEW
“It’s a great club, great people and I’m looking forward to next season now.
“There was a couple of clubs who put good offers on the table, but money aside I just enjoyed playing football down here last season.
“I enjoyed playing for Allan and Gary and everyone at the club, everyone behind the scenes, just everything about it, there was a feeling in my gut I just didn’t want to leave, and hopefully we’ll have another good season and justify my decision to stay.”
Craddock says a ninth-placed finish in the Northern League first division, in the club’s first top-flight campaign, is not to be sniffed at.
And he’s been impressed with what ambitious boss Allan Oliver had to say to him recently.
“Ninth in the first division wasn’t anything to turn your nose up at, and we’ll push on from there,” added Craddock.
“I’ve spoken to Allan and asked him what his plans are, he’s a very ambitious guy, he wants to be signing the better players and he wants to be up there challenging the Spennymoors and West Aucklands.
“He’s hoping to get a couple of marquee signings to enable us to do that.”
DEFENDER CRADDOCK STAYS WITH AYCLIFFE