Northumberland Football Association is delighted to confirm the appointment of Alan Thompson as U18 head coach.

A plethora of coaching experience at Northumberland Schools’ FA and his managers role at Newcastle East End U16s are just some of the credentials which impressed at the interviewing stage.

“I was asked if I would be considered to be interviewed in order to take over and was then offered the job,” said the UEFA ‘B’ qualified coach.

“It’s a big honour for myself to coach at this level and it’s brilliant to work with the professionalism and the ability of the elite players within the area.

“It’s nice that all the players want to be there representing a team they are really proud to play for.”

The new gaffer takes the helm at Whitley Park from Kane Wears, who resigned from his role before Christmas.

He is left with a team sitting second in the Association of Northern Counties East Division; unbeaten with a record of two wins and one draw.

But despite their stellar form the ex-Army man believes he can still boost his artillery and bring some new troops into the squad.

“We have had a good start to the season and we will look to win both our remaining league fixtures,” added Thompson.

“We have a good group of players who on their day are capable of beating anybody.

“The core squad will definitely be kept but we have identified one or two players through the form they have shown in their respective leagues and they deserve to be called up.”

Thompson’s first task as manager is to prepare his squad for an away trip to Stokesley in which Northumberland will face off against North Riding FA in their penultimate league match next Saturday.

The game will be played at their Broughton Road ground (2PM K.O.). with squad selection and match details to be announced on social media during next week.