SPENNYMOOR TOWN have delivered a signal of their intent by completing five notable signings, three of them being former Darlington players.

Graeme Armstrong, Jamie Chandler and Rob Ramshaw have all joined Moors, the latter pair dropping down two divisions after being released by National League club Gateshead.

Making the same journey from the International Stadium to the Brewery Field is experienced defender James Curtis, who has also been released by Heed boss Neil Aspin.

Completing the quintet is forward Andrew Johnson, from Ashington, a player that Moors manager Jason Ainsley has previously attempted to sign.

With the backing of club owner Brad Groves, Ainsley has been successful this time and his new arrivals join a team promoted from the Evo-Stik First Division, and they are sure to be well-fancied for promotion again when the Northern Premier League season kicks-off in August.

Armstrong left Darlington last month after two seasons with the club during which he scored 39 goals, many of them crucial, including a hat-trick in a 7-1 victory at Whitby Town on the evening Quakers won the Northern Premier League title.

He will hope to win the title again next season, with midfielders Chandler and Ramshaw bolstering the midfield.

Chandler was Quakers’ man of the match when they won the FA Trophy at Wembley in 2011. He joined Gateshead in 2012, as did Ramshaw, who came through the youth ranks at Darlington.

Chandler said: “I am over the moon to have signed and be part of the project that Jason and Brad have put in place.

“The ambition of the club and the squad in place was a major factor and I thoroughly believe we will challenge for promotion this season and can’t wait to start pre-season.”

Striker Gavin Cogdon, who left Spennymoor this week after eight years with the club, has joined Ryhope in the Ebac Northern League.