CONSETT’S new manager Colin Myers believes that the Steelmen are well placed to achieve their ambitions.

Myers, who has managed in the league before at Bishop Auckland and been assistant manager at Shildon, agreed last week to take on the task of guiding ambitious Consett to promotion.

“One of the first questions I asked at the interview was how much ambition the club has for the future, and basically they told me that they want to be out of the Northern League and do well in the Vase,” he said. “I was very impressed by what the chairman, Frank Bell, had to say.

“The club has got the ability to achieve all sorts. They have a new ground, a great infrastructure, financial back up and a very good youth set up.

“Taking into account what they’ve achieved in just two years since they moved to their new ground and what they’re hoping to achieve, they can get where they want to be. After I spoke to Frank, I was very interested in taking the job on.

“The place is ready for take off. They’ve probably underachieved this season going by their league position. They’ve got some good players, but there are one or two not-so-good ones as well.

“I’m quite excited by the challenge, and I’m really looking forward to it. There is a good solid platform to work on. It’s different to other jobs that I’ve done. Bishops, for example, were down and out when I went there, and Blyth were on a downward spiral. Consett, meanwhile, are on the up, and let’s hope it continues that way for a long time.”

Myers denies that his resignation as assistant manager at Blyth and his appointment at Consett just a few hours later were linked.

“I’d decided that I was going to leave Blyth some time ago, and a month ago I told Tom Wade, the manager, that I would be leaving after the Northumberland Senior Cup tie against Whitley Bay.

“Later the same day, Consett got in touch and invited me to go up there for talks.”

Myers had played a key role in helping Blyth into the third round of the FA Cup, where they were beaten by Birmingham City.

Chairman Frank Bell, who has put a huge amount of work into the club in the last few years, said; “Colin didn’t leave Blyth in order to go to Consett. His reason for leaving is between him and Blyth. As a club, Consett wouldn’t approach another club employee without the appropriate permissions being gained first. It wasn’t contrived.

"The calibre of candidates who applied for the job was exceptional, including some with great knowledge of the Northern League and higher levels, and we believe we have the right man in Colin to take us forward.

"He has the rest of this season to assess the players and address what is required for us to seriously challenge for honours. Our aim is to win the Northern League and FA Vase within the next two years, and we hope the supporters will give Colin and the team their full backing."

Meanwhile, previous boss Kenny Lindoe – who was manager of Brandon when they won the league and Myers was one of his players -- will oversee the recruitment and development of players, and he will help with the formation of an Under 21 side next season.

Crook Town are setting up a junior section in a big step forward for the club.

It’s a first for the club as they start to build for the future, both on and off the field as a nightmare season in the Northern League comes to an end. They could be relegated from the first division this weekend if results go against them.

But first team manager Peter Mulcaster is determined to shrug off that formality as the club open its doors to the town’s junior football community.

“A junior section has always been frowned upon by the club before, but now we’re happy to go down this avenue,” he said.

“Kids from Crook go all over the county and pay fortunes for facilities, so now we want to offer the use of our Millfield facilities.

“We’ve already had talks with representatives of Under 7s, Under 8s and Under 14s teams with the possibility of more to come. We’ve spoken to the parents, coaches and managers of these teams, and they’re all happy with the arrangements. All three teams will use our pitch.

“The junior section will be a part of the club, and they’ll have representatives on the management committee.”

The juniors have already used the facilities on a couple of occasions, and Mulcaster said; “It was great to see kids with smiling faces, and enjoying what they’re doing.

“We feel that this is making a great step in the right direction. Look at Guisborough Town, they offer a great opportunity for progression for youngsters. We would love to replicate their model, with the club at the heart of the community.”