Former Darlington player Mark Convery has been appointed joint manager of ENL First Division club Newcastle Benfield.

Convery, 34, had two spells with Quakers as a player, before dropping into non league and playing for several clubs, before joining Benfield three years ago.

He will be joint manager with another senior player, Paul Brayson, who is the club’s leading scorer this season with 16 league goals, and previously has been a prolific scorer at all his clubs.

The pair took over as temporary managers when Steve Bowey departed a month ago, and the club has decided to give them a permanent chance.

A club spokesman said; “Mark and Paul could be a good combination. Both have a load of experience and local knowledge. They know the club and have worked with chairman Jimmy Rowe for a number of years. They both want to play the game they way the club wants it played as well. Hopefully they’re a good appointment for the long term.

“Our thoughts are to try and stabilise the club this season and kick on next.

“We’d like to thank all the other applicants for their interest.”