Sunderland RCA manager Marty Swales is delighted that former Hartlepool striker Colin Larkin has agreed to stay at Meadow Park.

Larkin was player-coach last season as the RCA pulled off their own great escape from relegation, and now he has boosted Swales by agreeing to stay on board.

“The fact that he has agreed to stay is a big bonus for us,” said Swales. “His experience as a player was invaluable last season. He scored some important goals for us, and also encouraged the younger players.”

Swales has signed former Durham trio Reece Noble, Callum Hope and keeper Jordan Harkness, as well as defender Chris Scott from Seaham Red Star, but he has lost keeper Josh Carmichael and defender Ross Preston to Washington, while midfielder Kieran Megran has gone to Consett.

“I’m disappointed that those players have left, but we’ve still got virtually all the players we wanted to keep. There could even be some more movement before the start of the season.

“I don’t want us to hover above the relegation zone this season, we must make sure that we’re mentally ready in the first game. Last season before my time the club only picked up a handful of points in the first 14 game. It was bad start to the season last time, I’m confident it won’t be this time.”