Gateshead-born Peter Dixon started his managerial career with Crook Town and after rebuilding the club left a possible second division challenge to join West Auckland in December 2009.
He was tasked with the “impossible” job of keeping West in the top flight, but he completed a remarkable escape before finishing 16th in the table.
In the 2010-11 season his side broke club records with their highest-ever points tally on the way to finishing in sixth.
The following year was even better – a sensational season as he led West Auckland to the FA Vase Final at Wembley, which they lost 2-0 to Dunston.
They also suffered further heartache when they just missed out on the league title before finishing runners-up in the League Cup as well.
West again reached the FA Vase last season, this time losing to Sholing, while they finished fourth in the first division.
But the 46-year-old dropped a bombshell when he left West in August just days into the new season, and has had approaches from at least four other top-flight clubs since.
Following Dixon to Aycliffe is his assistant manager Paul Foster, coach Craig McRobie and first team coach Gus Di Lella, the Argentinean former Hartlepool United player who now coaches Pools’ Under-15s side.
His first game in charge will be at home to Penrith on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
PETER DIXON APPOINTED AYCLIFFE BOSS
‘GETTING DIXON IS MAJOR COUP’ – OLIVER