DURHAM CITY have been bought by former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard.
Bernard, who will serve as chairman of the Northern League Division One outfit, played 145 times for the Magpies before moving on to Southampton and Rangers.
The Frenchman, 34, retired six years ago and is now aiming to increase the links between Durham and local Football League clubs.
He said: “I want to make Durham one of the best feeder clubs in the north east. At the moment, I don't think the area develops enough youngsters.
“I want to raise the profile of the club and get links with Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
“Look at the England team, how many of them are from around here? I'll do everything I can to get players to Durham and help develop them.”
Durham currently play at Step 5 after resigning from the Evo-Stik NPL two seasons ago. Their Arnott Stadium home has a 3G pitch and with the club unable to progress past Step 3, the Citizens decided to drop back down to the Northern League amid financial troubles.
“At the moment, I am not thinking about the problem of the pitch because that is a few promotions away,” Bernard, who takes over as chairman from Austin Carney, added.
