Easington's new boss Graeme Hedley is hoping to put his years in the professional game to good use in his first managerial job, writes RAY SIMPSON.

Hedley made his name as a player at Middlesbrough before he moved into the Northern League and appeared for Whitby , Blyth and Horden before he hung up his boots.

And now he wants to make his name as a manager at Second Division Easington, whose promotion challenge faded in the second half of the season.

"I've played under several managers when I was at Middlesbrough - people like Jack Charlton, John Neal and Bobby Murdoch - and I want to put that experience into practice.

"I don't like failure, and it's a challenge to myself to make sure that I don't fail. I know that it may be difficult financially at the club, but I want players to play for the club with a smile on their face, as well as being passionate and competitive.

"We'll be setting targets, and I know that people react in different ways when that happens. The club's main aim is promotion.

"I've got a few players in mind, but I'll have to see what's required first. I need to sit down with the current players before I decide what I need to bring in."

Even though Hedley hasn't played in the pro game since the early 1980s, he was reminded of his Boro days at his interview for the Evenwood job.

"As soon as I walked in, somebody joked about the free kick I once scored for Boro against Sunderland, but they would forgive me for it!"

Hedley pipped several other applicants for the post, which was one of several available recently in the ANL. Consett and Washington Nissan expect to fill their vacancies this week.

Darlington chairman George Reynolds is the guest speaker at Evenwood Town's presentation night on Friday, June 6, at the Evenwood Sports and Social Club. Tickets are £2, available from 07776 243178.

Manager Ken Houlahan has also begun a light close-season training programme, taking place every Saturday. All players welcome.

The ANL's annual dinner takes place tonight at Ramside Hall Hotel, when the awards for the season will be made. A full list will appear in Local Heroes next week.