A former Sunderland player says the Black Cats’ pre-season visit to his hometown club promises to be a fantastic occasion for the town. Newton Aycliffe-born Phil Brumwell began his career as a trainee with the Wearsiders in 1993 before moving to Darlington two years later, playing more than 200 games for the Quakers.
And although the 36-year-old has never played for Aycliffe, he says he’s watched their “amazing” progress in recent seasons, with Allan Oliver guiding them from the Durham Alliance League to the Northern League first division inside three years. Brumwell reckons Aycliffe’s friendly against a Sunderland XI on Friday 20th July will be a massive occasion for the club, no matter what kind of side turns up at Moore Lane Park.
“Hopefully the club will get a good gate and it’s nothing but good for the club. I think clubs in the Northern League need a few games like this. It brings in finance but it might also bring extra supporters for the first game of the season.
“A lot of people will want to see Sunderland play and it’s not that easy to go and watch a Premier League game. It’s £20 to £30 for a ticket plus your travel. But for a club to come here during pre-season is great, especially for young kids. If I’m available I’ll definitely be along to watch.
“Aycliffe has a really good Sunderland fanbase. It used to be a Sunderland/Newcastle split, but I think it’s more Sunderland now.”
Brumwell currently coaches Shildon, after leaving Bishop Auckland for Dean Street just before Christmas. He faced Aycliffe twice last season. He says Aycliffe have benefited from showing loyalty to the players who have helped lift the club from amateur football to challenging at the top of the world’s second oldest league.
“The results the club got last year, when they were in the top six for most of the season, surprised everyone, but it wasn’t surprising to me as they’ve always kept the core squad together and that is priceless,” said Brumwell.
“If you do that then you only need to add one or two new players to get a good blend. If you’ve kept the likes of Sean Tarling through the seasons, you only need one or two to keep growing.
“Aycliffe is fanatical about football and it’s always needed the football club. I think what Allan (Oliver) and the committee have done to build this up and climb the league so quickly is amazing.”
Aycliffe welcome a Sunderland XI to Moore Lane Park on Friday 20th July at Moore Lane Park. Kick-off is 7.30pm, with admission £5 adults and £3 concessions.
www.newtonaycliffefc.co.uk
