New number two is relishing challenge

Spennymoor Town's new assistant manager Anthony Smith has called the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's newcomers the most ambitious part-time club in the North East.

The Moors are aiming for a top five finish in their first season following promotion and Smith, pictured, unveiled at Brewery Field last week as manager Jason Ainsley's new number two, is looking forward to the challenge of playing his part in helping them achieve their ambitions.

Smith succeeded Gavin Fell ahead of the club's 1-1 draw at Harrogate Railway Athletic and on his appointment, he told the club's website: "I’m very excited and looking forward to joining what I see to be most ambitious club in the North East at part time level. I was very impressed with Brad and Jason’s plans, ambitions and foresight for the future of the club

"Its very pleasing to see the club's targets are very similar to my own. I would like to think that with collective effort from everyone involved at the club that we can continue to progress as a club and achieve success. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward too."

Smith brings a wealth of experience to the role having kicked off his career with Sunderland before moving on to Hartlepool United on loan in 1992 and then Northampton before injury forced him to retire at the age of 24.

Smith was named manager of Northern League side Chester-le-Street Town in September 2011 but left the club in June 2012 to join Gateshead. In December 2012, he was named caretaker manager at Gateshead after Ian Bogie and Terry Mitchell were relieved of their duties. He was subsequently appointed permanent manager before resigning in August 2013.

More recently, Smith took charge of West Auckland in August following the departure of Peter Dixon and took them on an unbeaten run of 15 games to storm to the top of the Northern League table.

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