Durham look for another manager

Northern League Division Two strugglers Durham City are looking for their third manager of the season after Andy Inness and Ross Flintoft left the club on Monday.

The Citizens confirmed that the duo has tendered their resignations to the club’s committee and cited “personal reasons” as the major factor behind their decision.

Inness and Flintoft have spent just over two months at the club after they were appointed as successors to former management duo Stephen Durrant and Billy Harper in late September.

They took over a Citizens side sat at the bottom of the Division Two table but managed to take just one point from their six league games in charge and also suffered home defeats against Division One clubs Whitley Bay and Hebburn Town in the Mitre Sports Brooks Mileson League Cup.

Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Easington Colliery proved to be their final game with the club and their departure was confirmed on Monday evening via a statement on the Citizens website.

Club chairman Gary Hutchinson commented: “It is disappointing after a short time in the role but would like to put on record a big thank you for their efforts.

“It was never going to be easy; they are two great lads and no doubt they will be back in football soon.

“The club have already started the process to look for a new manager and hope to make an announcement soon.”

*Hebburn Town have added two new faces to their squad as they look get their Northern League Division One title bid back on track.

Blyth Spartans goalkeeper Mark Foden and Morpeth Town midfielder Michael McKeown have both moved to the Energy Check Sports Ground in the aftermath of Saturday’s 4-2 home defeat against Billingham Town. That result marked the Hornets third consecutive defeat and left them in third place in table – three points behind current leaders Stockton Town.

The run of form has prompted Hornets manager Kevin Bolam to rejig his squad and Foden and McKeown could be joined by more signings this seek.