The proposed new UniBond League First Division may not go ahead after all - and that could mean disappointment for at least two Northern League clubs.

There has been much discussion and speculation over the last few months concerning the new UniBond division, and three ANL clubs expressed their interest in joining it at the end of the season.

However, there is speculation now that the proposal might be ditched at the start of April because there isn't enough interest. The UniBond League First Division currently has 24 clubs, and to make two divisions work, it is understood that the UniBond needs at least 14 more clubs.

There are several key elements of their proposal. The UniBond wants some of the northernmost clubs in the Southern League to migrate to the UniBond League, but those clubs, such as Chasetown and Rushall Olympic, have refused and want to stay where they are.

The four feeder leagues can supply three clubs each, but that would still leave the UniBond with two vacancies, which they could fill by asking the feeder leagues to supply more clubs. Whether the feeder leagues would do so remains to be seen - the Northern League has said that it would refuse point blank, while the Northern Counties East League has said that it would allow more of its clubs to go - while there is also the possibility of intervention from the FA. Plus, all of the clubs wanting to go up must reach UniBond League standard - and in some cases that might be difficult.

Should the new extended division be scrapped, then only Consett would have a realistic chance of promotion to the established UniBond First Division, as Durham City and Newcastle Blue Star are virtually out of the running for the top three places. And that could have a knock on effect on relegation between the First and Second Divisions, with possibly two going down.

Northern League officials have been cautious on the implications at the end of the season, and have been saying for several weeks that the "final decision will rest with the FA."

Nevertheless, ground inspections were carried out yesterday at Newcastle Blue Star, Consett and Durham. Star asked the FA to inspect the facilities at Kingston Park, home of Newcastle Falcons Rugby Union club, and not the Wheatsheaf.

The clubs concerned haven't heard anything officially about what will happen at the end of the season.

Chester-le-Street have appointed their former manager Paul Bryson to their coaching staff.

Bryson, who has played for several Northern League clubs as well as previously managing Chester for five years between 1996 and 2001, is a UEFA A coach, and works for Gateshead College and Sunderland Academy, as well coaching England Colleges. He has been playing for Birtley in the Wearside League.

Chester general manager Joe Burlison said: "The time was right for Paul to come back to the club. He's got a tremendous amount of experience and coaching expertise which will help the young players we have at the club.

"He is not replacing our manager, Stuart Sherwood, who is more than happy for him to be part of the set up. We want to be sure that we won't go down to the Second Division at the end of the season, and we're convinced that Paul's arrival will give the whole of the club a boost."

Bryson, who also had a spell as assistant manager at Consett three years ago, said; " I'm really looking forward to coming back to a club that is very close to my heart. I made a lot of good friends during my period as manager and I'm looking forward to working for a good club but more importantly good people who are working so hard behind the scenes. It is sad to leave Birtley as they are a good and progressive club with an excellent management team in David Smith and Paul Foster but when opportunities come along you have to make what you think is the right decision in the long term."

Bryson's first game back is against second bottom Darlington RA tomorrow, and then on Tuesday Chester face holders Whickham for a place in the Durham Challenge Cup final.

Chester have signed striker Kevin Shoulder from Shildon, and he made his debut in the 2-1 defeat at Whitley Bay last Saturday.

Durham City are once again looking for a new manager following the weekend resignation of Dickie Ord.

The former Sunderland player quit because he felt that he couldn't devote enough time to the manager's job, especially if the club moves into the UniBond League next season.

Chairman Stewart Dawson said: "Dickie hasn't left the club altogether. He's staying on the committee, and he'll still play some sort of role within the club, which we welcome." Ord also runs the Soccarena at the Archibalds Stadium.

Lee Collings, who was appointed Ord's assistant in November when previous boss Andy Gowens left as manager, is in temporary charge until City find a solution.

Their manager's job has seen many occupants in recent seasons, with Ord, Gowens, Brian Honour, Andy Toman, Neil Hixon, Graham Clark, and Billy Cruddas all spending time at the club.

Bishop Auckland are hoping to announce their new manager inside the next 48 hours.

Previous boss Brian Healy revealed he has been frustrated with a few issues and quit after Saturday's 5-1 thumping at Dunston, a defeat that left Bishops in the bottom half of the table, so his assistant, Andy Fletcher, takes charge of tomorrow's home game with West Allotment - but has told the club that he will leave after the game.

The Bishops board has received applications from at least two former Northern League managers, and intend to interview them on Saturday morning. Chairman Terry Jackson said: "Both people who have applied have got good Northern League experience."

Jackson has denied that Brian Honour, who quit in October 2005, had applied.

Bishops are also still waiting to hear from the FA whether the pitch at the Sunnydale Leisure Centre meets Northern League requirements.

Tow Law are hoping to announce their new manager in the next few days.

Graham Clark announced last week that he is standing down at the end of the season because of his work commitments, and chairwoman Sandra Gordon said: "The idea is to keep Graham until the end of the season, and appoint somebody soon who can look at players and be ready to sign them at the end of the season."

Whitley Bay striker Lee Kerr appears to be making a good impression in his trial at Newcastle United.

After having a blinder against Newcastle Reserves in the Northumberland Senior Cup last month, Kerr was asked to attend a trial from Monday to Wednesday this week, and has done well enough for them to ask Whitley if he can stay longer.

Whitley manager Ian Chandler said: "I agreed with pleasure."

Another striker, Phil Bell, is going to Billy McEwan's York City for a trial in a fortnight's time.

The Northern League Management committee have delayed a decision about Horden's postponed game against Sunderland Nissan last week so then Horden Parish Council can attend their meeting. The issue is now likely to be discussed in April.

Wearside League club Whitehaven Amateurs have withdrawn their application for the Northern League. The Cumbrian club applied last year, and were told that a considerable amount of work needed to be done before they reached Northern League standard. Birtley are the only Wearside League club with a realistic chance of promotion.