The managerial merry go-round is continuing with two managers taking up positions.

Tow Law finally filled their vacancy after several weeks of trying when they recruited Steve Smith, who had quit Prudhoe two days before, although it is understood that Smith didn't quit Prudhoe in order to take the Tow Law job.

Smith, who played for several clubs in the league, took Seaham Red Star to second place in the league three years ago, and after he resigned there, took charge of Prudhoe last summer. However, Prudhoe went straight back down.

Chairman John Flynn was relieved the search came to an end at the weekend, and said: "Steve has got plenty of experience, and has been around the league for a while."

Prudhoe moved quickly to appoint Gavin Liddle, who was at Washington Nissan last season.

Liddle left Nissan after five years in charge at the end of the season, and will take his younger brother Glen with him to Prudhoe.

Gavin Liddle said: "There's talk of some players leaving, but nobody is going anywhere yet. I need to speak to all the players. There is a massive challenge on my hands."

Liddle was replaced at Washington Nissan eventually by Wilf Constantine.

The changes mean that there is only one managerial vacancy at the moment, at Murton, from where Ray Lish resigned and took over at Consett.

Northern League chairman Mike Amos has reacted with dismay to the news that the FA has approved the new non league football set up.

From the start of season 2004-05, the pyramid will have a new look, with two north and south divisions feeding into the Nationwide Conference, being fed by the UniBond League and Dr Martens League. That will prompt a nationwide shake up, but Amos feels that the Northern League has been neglected.

"The FA said that it had many objectives for non-league football, but as far as the Northern League is concerned, none of them have been achieved," he said.

"For example, where is the extra excitement, where is the extra money coming into the game?

"The Northern League is becoming more and more marooned, and the problem just hasn't been addressed by the FA. It has had a perfect opportunity and missed it.

"At least we're not having to make redundancies, and at least we have a strong league which people enjoy playing in."

The Ryman League is up in arms about the new proposals, and they are taking legal advice in a possible attempt to challenge the new set up.

Newcastle Blue Star are in line for a windfall after their former striker Peter Weatherston was transferred from Queen of the South to Morton for £35,000.

The cash will come in handy for Blue Star, who missed out completely on any sort of fee when Andy Morrell moved to Wrexham three years ago. He was the Third Division top scorer last season at Wrexham, then moved from the Racecourse ground at the end of his contract.

Durham City's chances of signing Gateshead pair Paul Thompson and David Morgan are up in the air.

Durham boss Billy Cruddas thought he had signed the pair from the UniBond League club, but now Gateshead boss Derek Bell has announced that they will be staying.

However, Durham might revive their interest in Kenny Cramman, who has quit the International Stadium.

Bedlington have been hit by the news that midfielder Ian Bogie has retired.

The former Newcastle player has been one of Bedlington's top players in the last two seasons, but it is understood that he wants to take up coaching in some capacity.

Bedlington are understood to be interested in several players as they try to mount a challenge to regain their title from Brandon this season.