Tow Law look set to fail in their audacious bid to bring former star Chris Waddle back to the club.

The former England International, who has 62 caps, started his career at Tow Law, before moving on to make his name at Newcastle United, Spurs and several other clubs.

However, since the 39-year-old left Sheffield Wednesday, he has kept in touch with the game by playing for UniBond League side Worksop.

And now Lawyers have decided to try to bring him back to the North-East, by submitting seven days notice of approach for the midfielder.

Tow Law manager Graeme Forster said: "Even if he can only play on the odd occasion, it would be a great boost for the club."

But Waddle is unlikely to take up the offer. He is keen to stay near his Sheffield home and content to continue playing for Worksop.

Meanwhile, Lawyers prepare today for the visit of Newcastle Blue Star, who are managed by former Tow Law boss Stuart Leeming.

Tony Cullen, Kevin McGarrigle, Paul Hague and Francis Jones are all missing for Tow Law, but new signing Dion Raitt should play.

West Auckland, who are away at Glasshoughton, may have to put an outfield player in goal because of an injury to regular Andrew Sams.

Billingham Synthonia, who face Brigg Town, give 17-year-old keeper James Stainsby his debut because Gary Popple is unavailable. Midfielder Dean McGee is missing.

Billingham Town are home to Ossett Albion, and missing midfielder Craig Perry, who has gone to Blyth. Neil Preston, Robbie Hutchinson, Mark Casey and Neil Bishop are all unavailable. Lee Tucker is expected to make his first appearance after returning from coaching in the USA.

Seaham Red Star, home to Pontefract, are without five defenders, so 17-year-old Richard Milburn makes his debut. Maurice Hilton, Dean Ferry and Paul Milner all return.

Bedlington are at Prescot Cables, andwithout Dean Gibb and Paul Baker. They could sign Blyth midfielder Brian Rowe.

Shildon have a difficult game at Clitheroe, and have a doubt over John Harland, while defender Mark Brookes has a dislocated shoulder. Craig Swainston is called up.

Durham City are missing John Tinkler and Alan Pearson for the home tie with Thackley.

Northallerton signed experienced striker Brian Crawley in midweek, but he is ineligible for their trip to Great Harwood.

Brandon, who go to Bradford Park Avenue, are without Darryl Smith, Jamie Howe and Gary Clark with injuries, while striker Micky Cunningham will have a fitness test.

Easington are hoping to bounce back from their midweek thrashing at Whitley Bay, and give fitness tests to Paul Geraldi and Mark Nicholson. Dom Rice and Andy Davies return, but Paul Brown is out. Evenwood are at full strength at home to Tadcaster Albion.

Consett, who take on Hallam at Belle Vue, are boosted by Marc Outterside, Tony Halliday, Ian Swann and David Young, but striker Colin McLeod will have a fitness test.

Dunston, who are at home to Northern Counties West club Curzon Ashton, are missing suspended Billy Irwin while Paul Brown and Kenny Goodrick are doubtful.

Hebburn are at Chadderto and boosted by defender John Burrell and striker Mark Laidler's return.

Morpeth welcome back striker Colin Carr-Lawton at Atherton Colliery, but David Whelan is unavailable, while Chester-le-Street could be unchanged at Liversedge.

Peterlee, home to Fleetwood, give striker Paul Hinton his first outing of the season after injury, but they are still missing Alan Martin, Wayne Schollick and Noel Young.

In the all-Northern League clashes, Thornaby will be without Chris Homer at home to Esh Winning.

Crook Town, who are at Horden, have agreed to put keeper Marc Riches on the transfer list, while there will be fitness tests for Neil Burn, Andrew Lowe and Chris Baxter. Marske United could be unchanged at home to South Shields.