The Northern League was very physical and I remember my first game v Bedlington away. I went up for a header and next thing I was on the ground with a bloody nose. "Dean Gibb - welcome to the Northern League" he said!

We actually went on to have so many good battles over the years and believe me I got my own back!

The standard of our team was very strong and we won the Northern League. Towmo, Hodgy and Kenny bossed every midfield and the relentless Robbo running in every channel- Pitman did the rest!

The step up in leagues certainly was apparent with stronger, more physical players and more ex-pros. We finished seventh, I believe, in the Unibond before Harry had a clear-out. He thought we needed new, fresher, better players but I still believe we released too many of the lads who got us to that level.

It was a big step up. Players were much fitter, more-experienced and could really play. The skill level changed and more teams kept the ball in the NPL!

The major difference was the strikers. Pace, powerful and they were much more clinical.

We had played football through the years of getting promoted so we continued to keep the ball, with Robbo being a huge outlet when we couldn’t. I personally was much more confident on the ball and developed my leadership qualities helping out newer and younger players.

It was so hard for players coming in to replace 'the legends'. Towmo, Hodgy, Cooky, Lawrie, Logie, Pitman, Kenny, Borthwick (plus many more) BUT Harry knew we needed more pace and fitness and he replaced them. Some of the guys that came in had huge impacts- Ben Dixon, Jamie Burt, Carl Chillingsworth, Alex Gildea- I'm sure I missed some- and others couldn’t settle at the increased level.

The final part of Andrew Snaith's interview with David Goodchild will be available tomorrow.