GRAY DAY HAS GIVEN MORPETH A BRIGHT PLATFORM
MORPETH Town will leave ‘no stone unturned’ as they prepare to embark on their first Step 4 assault next season in the Evo-Stik East Division.
That was the verdict of manager Nick Gray as he looks to put the disappointment of missing out on last season’s Northern League title behind them.
Gray’s side held an 18-point gap over Marske United but were overhauled by a remarkable run of form by the Seasiders that included a win over the Highwaymen.
Both sides will take their place at Step 4 for the first time in their history and Gray believes that two new additions to his coaching staff will give them added focus ahead of the new campaign.
Former Sunderland player Craig Lynch and Morpeth midfielder Stephen Turnbull will work alongside Gray and the Highwaymen boss is impressed with what he has seen so far.
He said: “We let things slip last season and it is a real disappointment, but I look at us now and there is a freshness about us.
“Some players said we didn’t do enough on the training ground last season but the two new coaches have given us a bit of focus. Craig (Lynch) is meticulous in his work.
“He is a very good young coach and he has had his time working as a manager in the Northern League.
“Twinny (Turnbull) hasn’t had that coaching experience but he is a winner and he knows football inside out. He has been there and done it.
“We have held a number of meetings and have planned the way we will play, how sessions will be ran. It will be done our way and we will be ready for the challenge of the new season.”
Gray has persuaded a number of his players to commit for the new season, while the likes of Spennymoor Town keeper Dan Lowson, Shildon striker Adam Burnicle and former Newcastle United reserve team captain Jeff Henderson have joined the Craik Park club.
“I am over the moon with the signings we have brought in,” Gray added.
“We have recruited well but we aren’t finished yet because we need to add more. We will keep trying and we are targeting quality over quantity.”