Former Newcastle United defender Olivier Bernard has hit back at claims that he has neglected non-league side Durham City - and has vowed to ‘keep fighting’ to keep the club alive.
The beleaguered Citizens confirmed its resignation from the Wearside League last night, marking a new low for the club who were competing in the third tier of non-league football as recently as 2010 and were a Football League club between 1921 and 1928.
Bernard took over the then-Northern League club in 2013, but the decline since then has been dramatic. They suffered a major blow when they were left without a permanent home after a disagreement with the owners of New Ferens Park. ‘Home’ games have been held at Consett’s Belle View and Willington’s Hall Lane over the last seven years, with the club now playing at Leyburn Grove in Houghton-le-Spring following last season’s relegation into the Wearside League.
