Spennymoor Town bring in five new players including three from Gateshead

AMBITIOUS Spennymoor Town have announced five new signings, including three from National League outfit Gateshead.

The Moors, who won promotion through the Evo-Stik NPL Division One North play-offs last term, have strengthened their squad ahead of their debut campaign at Step 3.

The 2012-13 FA Vase winners have added Rob Ramshaw, James Curtis and Jamie Chandler from Gateshead as well as Darlington 1883’s Graeme Armstrong and Andrew Johnson from Ashington.

Ramshaw, Curtis and Chandler have all signed two-year deals at Brewery Field after dropping down two tiers to join Jason Ainsley’s side.

Due to an influx of new players at Gateshead, the trio were released at the end of the season. Centre-half Curtis, 34, made 596 appearances for the Heed after joining in 2003, Ramshaw played 100 times for the International Stadium outfit and Chandler was a former captain of the club.

Joining them at Spennymoor is striker Armstrong, who shocked Darlington by quitting the club at the end of last season following 39 goals over two campaigns that both ended in promotion.

And the fifth new member of Ainsley’s squad is Johnson, who arrives at the Moors from Northern League Division One side Ashington.

Boss Ainsley has also strengthened his backroom staff, bringing in Tommy Miller as his new player-assistant manager, replacing Carl Beasley who resigned due to work commitments.

Miller had served as assistant to Jim Harvey at FC Halifax Town and their last act with the Shaymen was winning the FA Trophy at Wembley before they were replaced.

“I am delighted to be joining Spennymoor,” Miller said. “I have known Jason for a number of years and have always been impressed with the way his teams have played and the success he has had.

“Having met with Brad (Groves, owner) the other day and hearing of his ambitions for the club and the plans he has in place, I know it’s an exciting time to be joining.

“With my experience and understanding of the game I am looking forward to helping the club reach its targets in moving onwards and upwards.”