Billingham Synthonia dealt blow as management duo depart

The duo took over at Synners earlier this year and have helped the club into a position to challenge for promotion in Division Two this season.

After a hectic summer in the transfer market, their new look squad has won four of their last five games to move within one place and one point of a top-four position.

However, Bell and Crager will now focus on Guisborough improve on their poor early-season form as they sit fifth from bottom in the Northern League’s top tier.

Bell explained that he was disappointed to be leaving Synners but revealed that the draw of a move to Guisborough was “too good” to resist.

He told The Priorymen website: “Paul and I are very excited at the prospect of leading such a highly-respected club as Guisborough Town. This is a great opportunity for us, and we can’t wait to get started.

“I really enjoyed my time when I played for Guisborough around the early 2000’s and the club has always had a place in my heart since then.

“On behalf of Paul and myself, I would also like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to Billingham Synthonia – they have been absolutely fantastic to me and Paul ever since we joined the club.

“In one sense we’re sorry to be leaving the Synners but the chance to join Guisborough Town was just too good for the two of us.”