Well to say its been an usually hectic and difficult pre season for the Terriers is an understatement. With the resignation of last seasons manager Steve Pickering and the decision for non of the squad from last season to return, newly appointed manager Darren Loughlen was already facing an uphill task in the Northern Alliance Premier League.

Despite this a young but very talented squad of players was recruited by the manager with the view to build a team for the future, a team that would have a spine of proven alliance players around them. Two very good performances in the first two pre season games against Willington Quay and Killingworth gave promising signs for the up coming season with several players standing out. However off the park actions by Northumberland county council to lock the club out of Dr Pitt Park, a ground we have occupied for over 40 years unfortunately resulted the rumour mill doing its usual job of unfounded speculation leading to several key players taking the opportunities presented by other clubs and leaving the Terriers.

The amateur footballing landscape has changed dramatically in recent seasons with money unfortunately being the deciding factor in the majority of decisions made by players with even 16-18 year old's leading with the question how much will i be paid, gone are the days of serving a football apprenticeship in the alliance and lower leagues to then move to 'Semi Pro' in the Northern League and above, bigger budget nearly always means better results unfortunately.

With all of this in mind we must still look to consolidate our position within the league, build unity and progression within the squad and over time recruit the best players we are able to in all available positions, with effort, time and importantly support the results will come.

This week for our season opener we travel to Newcastle Independent at the Newcastle Falcons Stadium for a 3pm kick off, several players are still unavailable due to holidays and injury however the lads on the park will give 100% in an effort to secure the 3 points.

#UptheTerriers!!!