Whilst the Northern League fixture computer has left Aycliffe without a game for 2 weeks, boss Allan Oliver has certainly not been sat with his feet up enjoying the Christmas festivities, making several changes to his playing squad in readiness for a sustained assault on the top half of the table.
He has seen numerous injuries to key defenders this season, with experienced duo John Close and Stephen Gibson missing significant chunks of the season through injury. With the versatile James Oliver also being absent with niggling injuries on occasion, it has forced Oliver into reshuffling his pack. Midfielder Martin Young has been deployed in defensive positions recently, with great success.
However Oliver has moved to bring in experienced defensive cover in the shape of Woodham Academy teach Liam Clough. Formerly of Team Northumbria and more recently Sunderland RCA, Clough is exactly the type of player Aycliffe have lacked. He can operate either at Centre back or left back, and will provide an experienced head in the dressing room.
It will also offer his pupils in the Woodham Academy the chance to see their teacher play, and who knows, maybe get their own back on him if he has criticised their performances!
Aycliffe have also seen another couple of players depart the Club. Midfielder Freddie Woodhouse has chosen to accept an offer to play closer to home for Billingham Synthonia.
The popular midfielder will be missed by players and supporters alike, having racked up over 100 games for the Royal Blues. Few will forget his Easter debut in 2010 when he scored a hat-trick in the 10-2 victory over Crook.
Following Woodhouse out of Moore Lane Park is powerful striker Dan Wilson. Hopes were high for Wilson following his debut performance against Whitley Bay. However he has seen his chances limited in recent weeks due to the form of Tom Atkinson and Jamie Owens, and submitted a transfer request last week. He has re-joined former club Tow Law.
Following their 2 week break, Aycliffe face a trip to Marske on Saturday (11th Jan) followed by a ‘double header’ with Crook. Aycliffe travel to Crook on Wednesday 15th before finally a home game, against the same opposition on Saturday 18th.