Former Darlington defender Joe Kendrick is one of the latest players to sign for EBAC Northern League club West Auckland.

Kendrick, who was at Darlington for two seasons, is one of ten signings made by new manager Andy Campbell, who took over a month ago.

“Joe has got a huge amount of experience, and plays the way that we’re going to. He’ll be part of the spine of the team, which is what I’ve been trying to create.”

Former Boro striker Campbell has also brought in another former Darlington player, Chris Dickinson, who has been playing for Annan Athletic in the East of Scotland League.

But the main source of new players has been Campbell’s old club Norton, from where he quit at the end of season after guiding them to promotion. He has signed keeper David Knight plus outfield players Michael Jameson, Shaun Hudson, Jack Proctor, Matthew Bell, John Seaton and Lee Farrington, plus midfielder Tommy Marron from Guisborough.

“I’d like to think that by the time we have our first pre-season training session, I’ll have 15 or 16 players signed on. I’m hoping to pick up a few diamonds before then.”

By the time pre-season training starts, there will be very few, if any, of last season’s West squad left at the club. Winger Craig Ruddy is the latest to leave, for Marske United.