Shildon have appointed Steve Pyle as their team manager as new chairman Gordon Hampton builds for the future.

Hampton, a local businessman, recently took over the second division club,and wants promotion next season as part of his plans.

Ray Gowan, who will adopt the role of football director alongside Pyle, said: "The new chairman has already put a few things in place and he wants to win the title next season, so we have to get the football side right.

"Steve has plenty of experience, and the ability to be successful. He's won the Northern League with Blyth and Whitby and he's the ideal person with the prominence we require in the north of the region.

"We will be combining his knowledge with what I know in the south of our area. Steve and I have already spoken about players and our aim is to build a team which will win the league."

Pyle is currently playing for first division club Whitley Bay, who have agreed to release him once their fixtures are completed.

Shildon play their last game today, at Kennek Ryhope, and expect to be at full strength.

Another second division club, Horden, are looking for a new manager next season after the departure of Jim McGrath last month. Horden are currently fourth in the table, one point behind the promotion places.

In the first division, leaders Bedlington are at home to Billingham Town and may keep the team which won at Whitley Bay on Thursday to put them three points clear of the rest. They now need nine points from six matches to win their fourth successive title.

Town are without their regular keeper Darren Collier, so manager Alan Robinson was last night looking for a replacement.

Midfielder Robbie Hutchinson is injured, while striker Carl Chillingsworth is doubtful.

Second in the table Dunston will be hoping for a Bedlington slip while they try to win at third bottom Morpeth. Defender Graham Blackett returns to the squad.

Peterlee, who are at West Auckland, have several players injured - strikers John Outhwaite and Paul Hinton, and defenders John Bendelow and Allan Martin. West are without defender Steve West, who is suspended.

Brandon are looking for their eighth successive win at home to Billingham Synthonia. Midfielder Mark Patterson is suspended for Brandon, who put six past Jarrow Roofing in midweek.

Synners could be unchanged from the team which drew with Bedlington last week.

Fourth-bottom Easington need something from their game at Consett to maintain the four-point advantage over Morpeth below them. Keeper Paul Marsh, defender Wayne Van Hugh and striker Ian Matthews all return.

The home side are without Geoff Stephenson, David Young and David Gray, while Alan Batey and Gary Cowley are both doubtful.

Easington's win at Chester-le-Street in midweek has put Hebburn into the second division.

Tow Law have signed striker Brian Wake from Wolviston but he is unavailable for their game at Guisborough. Midfielder Steve Walker and striker Andy McKenna both return.

Guisborough are missing defender Steve Ritchie and midfielder Garry Hinchley, who are both suspended, while another defender, Micky Driscoll, is injured.

Marske United recall four players at home to Seaham Red Star. Dave Markham, John Woods, James Middleton and Michael Robson all return, but Andrew Bell might keep his place after scoring twice in midweek. Seaham are without Lee Adamson and Ian Gallagher.

Chester-le-Street and Whitley Bay could both make changes after losing games on Thursday night.

Bottom club Crook, who are already relegated, are hoping keeper Anthony Robinson can return at Jarrow Roofing, while player-manager Dennis Pinkney will also return for his 501st game for the club.

In the second division, Esh Winning need to beat leaders Washington to keep their promotion hopes alive and they will be without Dean Smithson and Mark Drake.

If Washington win, they will need just one more point for promotion.

Willington recall Geoff Young and Paul Dawson to their squad for the game at South Shields.

* Bishop Auckland can take a big step closer to securing third place in the UniBond League if they can win at Gainsborough today.

Bishops are in the driving seat for third spot after their midweek win at Worksop while nearest challengers Lancaster, who they play in the League Cup final on Tuesday, lost at Runcorn.

Manager Tony Lee, who is has been approached by Altrincham regarding their vacant manager's position, has a dilemma today regarding striker Andrew Shaw and midfielder David Bayles, who will both have fitness tests. With one eye on Tuesday's cup final, he may decide not to risk them.

Spennymoor are going for their second win inside three days at home to Hucknall.