Newton Aycliffe FC have boosted their squad with the signing of Woodham Academy sports boss Liam Clough.
Left-sided defender Clough (pictured), director of Woodham Sports Academy, joins Aycliffe from fellow Northern League first division side Sunderland RCA, for whom he has already appeared at Moore Lane Park this season.
The Royal Blues have had a host of injuries to defenders this season, with experienced pair John Close and Stephen Gibson missing, along with the unavailability of Stephen Salvin meaning in recent weeks Oliver has been forced to pair midfielder Martin Young with Dan Mitton.
James Oliver has been suffering with niggling injuries, while David Mitchell has been recalled by Darlington.
Clough’s flexibility appealed to Oliver, with the defender being able to operate either in a central position or left back. He will also add another experienced head in an increasingly youthful dressing room, and that experience should help Aycliffe as they look to establish their top half position.
Unfortunately for Aycliffe, popular midfielder Fred Woodhouse has accepted an offer to join Billingham Synthonia. Woodhouse played over 100 games for Aycliffe, and was a popular player with both players and supporters. However he decided he wanted a change, and leaves with Aycliffes best wishes.
Following Woodhouse through the exit door was Dan Wilson. The powerful front man who signed from Tow Law has been unable to dislodge the strike pairing of Owens and Atkinson.
With this in mind he approached Oliver to ask to be transfer listed, and was immediately snapped up by his former employers Tow Law.
The next fixture for Aycliffe, and the first chance to see Clough in action, sees an away trip to Marske tomorrow (Saturday).
Aycliffe follow that up with a trip to Crook on Wednesday evening, before hosting the same opposition on Saturday 18th January.
Surely this represents a great opportunity for those budding footballers in Woodham Academy to come along and see at first-hand what their boss can produce on the pitch….and no detentions if you pull him up on any mistakes!
The Crook game on the 18th is as usual a 3pm kick off. Adults are priced at £6 with concessions at £4 and u12s completely FREE.