Spennymoor have started to strengthen their team for the new season by signing defender Gary Hobson.

Hobson has made over 300 appearances in the Football League for Hull, Brighton and York City, and was released at the end of the season by York, where Mathie was playing last season.

Mathie, who could also be playing as well as managing, is hoping to sign more players with Football League experience before the start of the season on August 16.

Sheffield Wednesday have promised to send a strong team to Spennymoor United for their pre-season friendly at the Brewery Field, despite it being just four days before the beginning of the season.

Chris Turner brings his side to Moors on Tuesday, August 5, kick off 7.30pm.

Moors have arranged two more pre-season friendlies - at Pocklington on July 15, and at Easington four days later.

Bishop Auckland are due to launch their new kit today in the Town Hall at midday.

The club is understood to have returned to its old traditional two blue colours, with stars on the sleeves denoting the number of Amateur Cup wins.

Two former players, Harry Young and Ken Twigg, are hoping to be there at the launch.

The new shirt will go on sale at the pre-season friendly with Darlington on Saturday, July 12, and chairman Terry Jackson said: "We've already received several orders for it. We hope that it will go down well - it's a fairly unique design."

Meanwhile, Bishops have been working hard at Dean Street, and plenty of work has been carried out during the summer.

Meanwhile, the UniBond League fixtures have been announced for the season.

Bishops first game on August 16 in the First Division will be at the end of a long trip to Colwyn Bay - now managed by former Burnley boss Jimmy Mullen - although they will be pleased to get such a long journey out of the way. Their first home game is against Kendal the following Wednesday.

The local derby games against Gateshead have been fixed for Boxing Day and Easter Monday.

Spennymoor start with an away game at Marine, and then they take on Blyth at home three days later.

Burscough, winners of the FA Trophy, have parted company with Shaun Teale, who led them to victory at his old club Villa Park in May.

Teale has been manager for two seasons, and has been replaced by former Liverpool player Mike Marsh, with Ian Bishop as his assistant.