Following their impressive ‘Great Escape’ from relegation, Northallerton Town are in the process of building on those solid foundations to ensure a more successful campaign this time round.

Manager Richard Farrel became boss midway through last season when Darren Trotter left, taking over a side in trouble. At Christmas, Town were rock-bottom and it looked as though only a miracle would save them.

Town’s form in the latter stages of the season was that of a promotion-chasing side, not one fighting for their lives. Seven wins and two draws in ten games saw Town climb from bottom to 16th, a huge success compared to what even the most die-hard Northallerton fan must have thought was an inevitability.

The mastermind, Farrel, has since committed to the cause and retained his backroom staff to carry on the good form and into the new season with a new confidence.

Assistants Andrew Ramsbottom and Michael Rae - also the club’s leading goalscorer last season - coach Richard Walker, physio Rob Bell and kitman Mike Bickerton have all joined Farrel in staying put for the season to come, which is a huge plus in keeping the momentum going.

The same goes for matters on the pitch. Captain Tommy Marron, alongside Matty Crust, Tom Dawson, Nathan Stephenson and Alex Bruton have all signed new one-year contract extensions, with others from last season’s outstanding run, including Shaun Ryder, Charlie Graham, Dan Jones, Sean Chidanyika and local favourite Jack Stapley, also committing to the cause.

The first new signing of Farrel’s maiden full campaign is a returning face in Luke Jones. Formerly of York City, Luke was on loan at Town in the last month of the season and made a dramatic first impression, scoring on his debut off the bench in a 4-2 win over Ashington.

With a solid core of the successful side from last season, Town have every right to harbour some hope of success this campaign. Whether that is a solid, safe position in the league table or perhaps more, only time will tell.