Relegation still raw but Red Star boss vows to bounce back

MARK Collingwood has accepted the circumstances behind Seaham Red Star's relegation into Division Two - but is ready to go on the attack in a bit to bounce back at the first attempt.

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Red Star fell into the Northern League's second tier for the first time in Collingwood's record-breaking managerial reign last season as they ended the campaign second from bottom in Division One.

Far from feeling sorry for themselves, Red Star have moved to refresh their squad and retain the services of key players with Mason Burton committing his future to the club and the likes of Lewis Porritt, Kieran Beattie and Ryan Appleby all joining during the summer.

The new campaign gets underway tomorrow with a visit to a Sunderland West End side that will be under the management of new boss Joe Walton for the first time after the former FA Vase winner was appointed earlier in the summer.

Ahead of the new season, Red Star boss Collingwood admitted the pain of relegation was 'still raw' - but he is now refreshed and recharged as the bid to bounce back gets underway.