The stars are turning out for a charity match at Crook Town tomorrow afternoon.

The club is hoping that several big names will be able to appear in the game at the Millfield, which is in aid of Cancer Research.

Former England, Middlesbrough and Manchester United defender Gary Pallister is expected to play, along with Alan Kennedy and Gary Gillespie, stars of the Liverpool team over two decades ago.

David Speedie, who went on to play for Coventry, Blackburn and Chelsea after leaving Darlington will also be there, along with his former Darlington team mate Kevan Smith. Both played for Crook several seasons ago. Former Sunderland and Darlington midfielder Brian Atkinson, plus ex pros Paul Dalton, Danny Mellanby, Dave Buchanan and Steve Agnew are also lined up.

Darlington are also sending some players from their first team squad along. Chairman Steve Buddle also revealed that Paul Gascoigne and Peter Beardsley have also donated signed Crook Town shirts, which will be auctioned along with a Manchester United shirt signed by Nicky Butt, and a Newcastle shirt signed by Shay Given and Steve Harper.

Buddle said: "We're hoping for a good turnout, considering the big names that are going to play. We're very grateful for everybody's support." Admission to the game is £3 for adults, and £1 for concessions.

There is also an evening function at the clubhouse, tickets are £2 each.

Shildon have appointed Kenny Lindoe as their new joint manager with Ray Gowan. Lindoe quit as Brandon manager last month after six years in charge, during which time the club won promotion from the Second Division, lifted the First division title and reached the Durham Challenge cup final twice.

Gowan offered Lindoe the job soon after he quit Brandon, and after a family holiday, Lindoe decided to accept.

Chairman Gordon Hampton said: ""I am sure that these two strong characters will form the team that we need at Shildon to ensure success in the immediate future."

Pre-season training at Dean Street started earlier this week.

Meanwhile, Shildon have confirmed that they will be playing Notts County in a pre-season friendly on Saturday 24th July. The Football League side beat Shildon in the first round of the FA Cup last November.

Crook Town chairman Steve Buddle has revealed that the club would have folded if it wasn't for club president Sir Tom Cowie.

In his annual report, Buddle revealed the huge part which the former Sunderland chairman has played at the club in recent years.

"I have said every year that we would not be able to survive if it was not for Sir Tom, he has once again been more than generous and continues to be so. He helped to bring Newcastle and Sir Bobby Robson to play here in November, and he is also playing a big part on behalf of the club in the plans for the development of a new ground over the road from the Millfield. We hope to have the new ground up and running within the next three years and consultations will be ongoing between the club, Wear Valley District Council and Sir Tom Cowie and his advisors over the next few weeks. On behalf of the club I would like to say a massive thank you to him. He deserves all the plaudits that come his way from the people of Crook."

Consett have blasted one of their former players after last season's leading scorers left the club. 24 goal Michael Pitt has signed for Dunston, while 25 goal Paul Terrell has told Consett that he doesn't want to play for the club any more.

However, Consett aren't happy with the manner of Terrell's departure. Club secretary Ian Hamilton said: "Michael goes with the club's blessing but Paul Terrell is another story. Manager Ray Lish saved this lad's career last season, taking him from obscurity to a promotion-winning team only to be badly let down.

"I won't go into any more detail, but suffice to say that bad feeling between all at Belle Vue and Terrell could be seen on everyone's faces.

"Michael on the other hand did everything the right way. You can see his point of view. An offer from league champions Dunston came along and he feels he would like the chance to better himself, playing with top class players." Lish has started a search for replacements, while he has also brought in Jon King as coach to replace Paul Bryson, who has retired.

"Paul thought that he couldn't play in the First Division, plus he wouldn't be able to do any midweek coaching," said Lish.

Evenwood are looking for a first team coach after the departure of Stan Cummins. Anyone interested should contact Ken Houlahan on 01388 776633.

Second Division club Norton have announced that they have signed four players from relegated Murton.

They have signed defender Andrew Middleton, along with midfielders Dean Goodwin, Tom Orchard and Paul Dougherty, with the help of Brian Maitland, who was manager there until he quit when Murton were relegated from the Northern League. Maitland is now assistant manager at Norton. They have also announced pre-season friendlies against Guisborough (home, 24th July), Tow Law (home, 31st July), Wolviston (away, 4th August), Billingham Synthonia (home, 7th August)

Whitley Bay have signed midfielder Peter Kirkham from Consett. Kirkham started his career at Darlington and was part of the Consett team which won promotion from the Second Division last season, and at Hillheads he joins new defender Steve Locker, who has experience at Bedlington and Blyth.

Easington's new boss Steve Wood wants his players to have smiles on their faces when the season kicks off in August.

Wood, who was previously manager of Wolviston Reserves in the Teesside League, takes charge of a club which finished second bottom of the ANL Second Division, but escaped relegation because of Murton's ground. He is the fourth manager of the club in the last eighteen months.

"It is a massive boost for us to stay in the Northern League," he said. "People might think that we're relegation favourites, but it is now up to us to grab our chance and look forward. I want the players to have smiles on their faces, and to try and enjoy their football. "The challenge of managing Easington is something that drives me. In fact, I was a little bit in awe when I came to speak to the Easington people, because they have a good set up. Wood, who will be assisted by Rob Barrett, has already started training sessions with his playing staff, some of whom have followed him from his old club. The players will have to be very fit to compete in the Northern League. I believe that they have the ability, but the fitness must be improved. I will be trying to put on a different training session every week. If the players don't enjoy it, then it's not worth doing. We know that it's a big job, but we must try and raise the bar in terms of standards all the time."