£3
BLYTH SPARTANS FOOTBALL CLUB © Blyth Spartans Association Football Club Limited - Croft Park, Plessey Road, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 3JE Tel: 01670 352373 - Fax: 01670 545592 Company Number: 409564 BACKGROUND STAFF ______________________________________
COACHING STAFF ______________________________________ MANAGER: Alun Armstrong ASSISTANT MANAGER: Darren Holloway ASSISTANT MANAGER: Neal Hooks PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Chris Bell MEDIA STAFF ______________________________________ MEDIA MANAGER: Stuart Dick PRESS OFFICER: Glen Maxwell PROGRAMME EDITOR: Dan Simmonite CAMERA OPERATOR: Joe Cooper RADIO BLYTH LIVE COMMENTATORS: Sam Donovan, Ross Jackson, Hannah Sewell WEBMASTER: Chris Ferguson MATCH DAY PHOTOGRAPHER: Bill Broadley (wf.broadley@gmail.com) COVER ILLUSTRATION: Mark Hirons (www.bluedeer-design.co.uk)
CONTENTS ___________________ 3. General Manager welcome 4. Views from the terrace 5+6. Nathan Buddle Q&A 7,8+9. Newcastle Benfield preview 10. Dale Hopson signs 11,12+13. West Auckland Town preview 14. Dan Maguire poster 15,16+17. Shildon preview 18,19+20. Carlisle United preview 22. Media zone 23+24. 2017/18 Fixtures 25+26. Blyth Spartans player profiles 27+28. Player sponsorship 29+30. Quizzes 31,32+33. Sunderland preview 34. #HowayBlyth comments 35,36+37. Middlesbrough preview 38. Blyth Spartans v Grantham Town 39,40+41. Morpeth Town preview 42. Alun Armstrong interview 43,44+45. South Shields preview 46. Commercial news update 47,48+49. Whitby Town preview 50. Fans blog 51+52. Commercial opportunities 53. NFA Senior Cup 2017 54. National League North Map 55+56. National League North preview
WELCOME TO CROFT PARK
PRESIDENT: VACANT CHAIRMAN: Tony Platten VICE CHAIRMAN: Kevin Scott COMPANY SECRETARY: Colin Baxter GENERAL MANAGER: Anthony Seghini COMMERCIAL MANAGER: Mark Scott EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Andy Bowron, Steve Frake, Jane Freeman, Steve Ord FOOTBALL SECRETARY: Anthony Seghini FIXTURE SECRETARY: Jeff Young LIFE MEMBER: George Watson PA ANNOUNCER: Ken Teasdale STADIUM MANAGER: Colin Blackett GROUNDSMAN: Peter Henderson KIT MANAGER: Ted Lock
WELCOME
FROM GENERAL MANAGER
It only seems like five minutes since we were all together celebrating the Northern Premier League Championship. What a season it was! Now, I would like to welcome you all to Croft Park for our pre-season fixtures, a prelude to what we anticipate will be another exciting season ahead. I am sure you will agree that Alun & his coaching team have put together an interesting & varied pre-season schedule, pitting ourselves against familiar local rivals & teams from the Football League. Hopefully we will see some entertaining matches, but more importantly, it will prepare the team well for the challenges ahead. We welcome all the visiting teams & their supporters to Croft Park. It was great to see the nucleus of last seasons squad sign up again & we would like to wish all the best to those players that have left; Luke Armstrong, Adam McHugh, Richard Pell & Matty Pattison. Many thanks for your efforts last season. At the time of writing, Alun has made two additions to his squad, with Ian Watson re-joining Blyth from Spennymoor Town & Dale Hopson from Whitby Town, in what was a record breaking deal for the club. A warm welcome to both players & I am sure we will see more new faces join in the coming weeks, with several trialists expected to be trying out in the games ahead. There have been changes behind the scenes too I have stepped into the General Manager role, following the retirement of Ian Evans, although Ian will still be a regular at Croft Park, as he is remaining on the executive committee. We also welcome Stuart Dick, who has replaced Phil Castiaux as Media Manager & Dan Simmonite our new Match Day Programme Editor. Another addition to the media team is Joe Cooper who will be working on BSAFCTV & producing match highlights. Another exciting change is the formation of Blyth Spartans Reserves, in conjunction with New Hartley Juniors, who will compete in the Northern Alliance Second Division in the coming season. They have just finished some very successful trial sessions & their squad will be finalised this week. The formation of the reserves will give the youngsters in New Hartley’s U18 squad a route into senior football, whilst also hopefully allowing Alun to see some players progress into the First Team over time. They will be playing some of their fixtures at Croft Park this season, so why not get along & support them if you can. The reserve squad will be guests of the club at the Newcastle Benfield game. Before kick off at the Middlesbrough game, we will welcome Blyth Spartans Juniors U16, who will proudly parade the trophies they won at two tournaments in Holland during the close season. Well done lads! Match Day Sponsorship packages are available. To arrange a package, please email me at generalmanager@blythspartans.com , contact the office on 01670 352373 between 9am & 12 noon, or call in and see me on match days. Season tickets are on sale now & can be purchased from the general office. Enjoy the football, I can’t wait! Anthony Seghini General Manager
3 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
VIEWS FROM THE TERRACE *The views expressed are from the author and do not necessarily represent the football or supporters club. Trivia Queston - Who did Alan Shearer first play professional football for? Good afternoon everyone and welcome to the friendly fixtures prior to the new season. Carlisle United The Cumbrian’s had a bitter disappointment last season just missing out on promotion when they lost to Exeter City in the play-offs. In the 1970’s I used to live at Warwick Bridge just outside of Carlisle. They were heady days for them as they reached the top flight of football for one season. I was at Brunton Park when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 to go top of the table. I also watched them unbelievably beat Arsenal 2-1 in a relegation battle. In that game the Londoner’s goalkeeper, a certain Jimmy Rimmer, chased the referee back to the centre circle after he applauded one of the Carlisle goals. Spartans have met Carlisle United once in a competitive game and that was back in 1962 in the FACup when the Cumbrians won 2-0 at Croft Park. Middlesbrough Our visitors from Teesside were unfortunately relegated from the Premier League last season, but I am sure they will be pushing to go straight back up. Blyth have never met Middlesbrough in a competitive game before, but we have played them a few times in friendly games over the years. In my groundhopping ventures the first time I visited Ayresome Park was in 1979 when they played Brain Clough’s Nottingham Forest (score 1-3). I have been to the Riverside a couple of times as well; the first match was against Rotherham United in the league cup which Boro won 2-1 in the first leg in 1995. Hartlepool United Spartans first met Hartlepool competitively way back in 1925 in the FA Cup. The first game ended 2-2 here at Croft Park and the replay finished 1-1. A second replay back at Blyth also finished 1-1. Spartans eventually won 2-1 at the fourth attempt at Hartlepool. Pools also played us in 1961 and 1965 in the FA Cup beating us both times. The last time we met was in 2014 on that memorable Friday night in front of the TV cameras when we won 2-1 to set up a 3rd round tie with Birmingham City. Morpeth Town Our near neighbours have come up in the football world recently. A terrific win at Wembley to lift the FA Vase last year as well as soundly beating Blyth in the FA Cup last season shows what they are made of these days. Morpeth finished second in the Northern league behind South Shields. South Shields Another progressive club who have also done the North East proud with their resounding win at Wembley to take the FA Vase earlier this year. I reckon they will be a strong force in the Northern Premier League next season. Whitby Town Whitby were our former Northern Premier League rivals from last season. They just missed out on the play-offs by one point. It would be good to see them promoted and playing us again in a competitive game. Blyth fans always enjoy a trip down to the coast for a few beers/fish and chips! Jackie Marks On behalf of everyone I would like to give my condolences to the family and friends of Jackie Marks, former coach and manager, who passed away recently. A true Spartan legend who will be missed greatly here at Blyth games. Answer trivia quiz question- Alan Shearers first club was Southampton Enjoy the game and get behind the team and manager in a positive manner, despite matter what happens on the pitch. Malcolm Stephenson- supporter (for more years than I care to remember!)
4
LE
Q&A WITH NATHAN BUDD 1 - First pair of boots you owned? I had a pair of ADIDAS world cups, I still have them in the loft somewhere.
2 - First game you went to? First game, if I’m honest I couldn’t tell you. But it was Newcastle & I ended up with a season ticket for 5 years, I loved it! 3 - First kit you owned? Newcastle United. My dad had me wearing it as early as possible! 4 - First team you played for? Amble Juniors, I had to play for the year above as there was no teams at my age. 5 - Best player you’ve played with/against? Best player I’ve played against would be Will Keane at the Milk Cup in Ireland, he’s Michael’s brother & if it wasn’t for injuries I think he’d have been in the England squad by now! And the best because of his career alone I’d have to say Nobby Solano! 6 - Best stadium you’ve played at? Have to say St. James’. Childhood dream, can only
imagine what it’s like to play there in front of 52,000! 7 - Your footballing idol? As a kid I idolised Shearer going to the Newcastle games, but growing up playing as a centre half I loved watching John Terry! 8 - Which team do you support? No surprise - Newcastle! Haha 9 - Who will be the star man this season? We have a team of top players, I think Hutchy has just been getting better and better with each season and I think we’ll have more to do at the back this year so he’ll be vital! 10 - Who will be top scorer this season? As always.. Nipa! He’s phenomenal infront of goal and delivers for us season after season. 11 - Which game are you most looking forward to? Darlington, I know a couple of their lads, and with it being a derby game it would be great to get one over on them. 12 - What are your personal goals this season? I wasn’t pleased with my season last year so I want to play consistently better and try and get on the score sheet a few more times too!
5 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
13 - Header or volley? Got to be a header! 14 - Take a risk or play it safe? I love a step over on my way back to goal, but got to get the ball out when needs be.. I’m on the fence with that one! Haha 15 - Home or Away? Home, nothing better than playing infront of our crowd when they’re getting on one of the opposition players back! 16 - Goal or Assist? Goal! When I’m up at that end of the pitch, there’s nothing better than a goal! 17 - Free kick or Penalty? Penalty! I was foaming I wasn’t taking them after all the ones we missed last season! Haha 18 - Right foot or Left foot? Right foot, but the left foot’s not too bad! 19 - Step over or dummy? Step Over! I like to get one in every game if I can haha 20 - Who is the best dancer? That’s a tough one, don’t think anyone of the lads can dance! 21 - Who would make the best manager in the squad? I think Macca would make a decent manager, Robbie fancies himself for it I think & tbf I think he’d do alright aswell!
22 - Who has the worst dress sense? 10000000000% Damo Mullen, he got worst dressed on last team night out, but to be fair it was probably the best gear he’s ever wore. I have seen him turn up for a night out wearing a curtain for a shirt though!.. the gaffer has some rascal clobber too.. he showed up in a purple velvet blazer one night, and also owns a pair of green trainers with Kermit the frog on.. awful! 23 - Who listens to the worst music? Laidler! He still loves Darren Styles & Cascada, and when he gets in first at training he sticks his new monkey on! 24 - Biggest joker in dressing room? Going to say Nipa, he’s one of a kind with some of the stuff he comes up with. 25 - Who’s the loudest? Laidler! But I’d probably have to put myself up there for that one. 26 - Who spends longest doing their hair? Hooksy... haha no it has to be the only man who has a brush and hairspray in his wash bag- Damo! Shortly followed by Wrighty and his perm! 27 - Funniest thing you’ve seen in training? We had a trialist in last season & he was miles off, he was never out the middle of our possession games & during it he ended up pinging a ball straight off Matty Pattison’s face from 5 yards! 28 - Who’s the biggest moaner? The lads will 100% say me, but I put that down to wanting high standards, & I hate losing! Then Robbie.. he’s never happy! 29 - Who’s the most intelligent? Probably Hooksy, there’s not many bright lads in our squad! 30 - Who’s the least intelligent? I could name a few! Laidler..
PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL BROADLEY
TUESDAY 4TH JULY 2017
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE BOYLE
Blyth will host Newcastle Benfield in their first pre-season fixture of the season at Croft Park. The visitors Newcasle Benfield play their football in the Northern League Divison One finishing 10th in 2016/17 with a staggering 101 goals, most of which were scored by top scorer Paul Brayson. The club also reached the quarter finals of the Northern League Cup last season, being defeated 2-1 by eventual winners South Shields.
many name changes over the years. Up until 1990 the club were called Heaton Corner before changing to ‘Newcastle Benfield Park’ when they moved to their current home Sam Smith’s Park. Nine years later the club merged with St Columbas, a side from North Shields, and settled with the name Newcastle Benfield Saints. Following the merger they won back to back promotions from the Norther Alliance and the Northern League Division Two.
In recent years the club have floated around in the ninth tier of English football having won promotion from the Northern League Division Two in 2011 and currently sit three tiers below Blyth Spartans.
Another name change came in 2005, this time changing to ‘Newcastle Benfield Bay Plastics’ but they opted to drop the latter and go with their current name ‘Newcastle Benfield FC’ two years later.
Founded in 1988 as ‘Brunswick Village’ the now Walkergate-based club have had
Since then they have seen the likes of Lewis Horner, Richard Brodie and Stuart Elliott
7 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
19:30 K.O Chairman: Jimmy Rowe Manager: Mark Convery League: Northern League D1 Top Scorer: Paul Brayson (41) Nickname: ‘The Lions’ Colours: Blue/White
grace the field and even had ex-Newcastle United midfielder Nolberto Solano sign on as a part time coach in 2012. Current Benfield manager Mark Convery took charge of the club in November 2015 after a playing career which saw the midfielder turn out for the likes of Darlington, York City and Cambridge United. He led the team to an 18th place finish in his first half-season and topped that in his first full season in charge, finishing mid table at the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
KEY PLAYERS Mark Convery // Midfielder The 36-year-old is player-manager for Benfield and has a wealth of experience having played for Darlington, York City and Cambridge United earlier on in his career. Paul Brayson // Striker The Ex-Spartans forward was top goalscorer in the Northern League Division One last season scoring 41 goals for Benfield. Other former clubs include Newcastle United, Swansea City, Reading, Cardiff City, Cheltenham Town, York City, Northwich Victoria and Gateshead. Lewis Scorgie // Defender A powerful presence in the Newcastle Benfield defence having recently signed a new 2 year contract. Has played for North Shields, Hartlepool, Wallsend and Whitley Bay. Confident on the ball and a highly rated young defender. Steven Tobin // Defender A strong and commanding no-nonsense centre half and totally reliable at the back.
16/17 BIGGEST WINS 11-1 vs Ryhope CW Wednesday 19th October 2016. 8-1 vs Alnwick Town Saturday 10th September 2016. 5-0 vs Darlington RA Wednesday 16th November 2016. 8
9 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
GOALSCORING MIDFIELDER SIGNS FOR BLYTH Blyth Spartans have signalled a real statement of intent for next season – after splashing the cash to sign prolific Whitby Town midfielder Dale Hopson. The 24-year-old – who was third in the Evo-Stik Premier League Top Scorer standings for last season, just behind second-placed Spartans striker Daniel Maguire – had a number of clubs chasing his signature after an impressive season for the Seasiders, but has opted to make the step up into the Vanarama National League North by signing for Blyth for an undisclosed fee. Having handed in a transfer request at the Turnbull Ground earlier in June, Hopson agreed terms later in the month and then took part in his first pre-season training season for his new club straight away – in a move that proves that Croft Park’s latest addition is eager to get going in his new surroundings. Hopson revealed: “Obviously, pre-season is already underway [but] I’m looking forward to getting started properly with the games. It’s a big club and a big step up for me from Whitby, so I can’t wait to get started. “I think – from a playing point of view – when I spoke to Alun, I seemed to get the satisfaction that I needed [to sign for Blyth] from talking to him. I’m glad it’s all done and dusted now really.”
When asked about the amount spent to bring him to the club, Hopson replied: “It doesn’t bring any pressure, I don’t think. I think it’s more flattering than anything, but – like I say – I’m just looking forward to getting going with the games.” Hopson’s wasn’t the only smiling face around the ground on Saturday morning either – as Spartans manager Alun Armstrong was delighted to finally acquire his target after a busy summer. The 42-year-old said: “He scored over 30 goals in all competitions last season and he’s someone I was definitely watching. We knew he was dangerous and we haven’t really got a player like that as such. “It’s cost a lot more than I’d have wanted to pay, to be totally honest, but that’s the current market and it appears to have taken off for some reason. For someone of his ability though, you have to pay to the money. “The biggest thing for me is that he scored nine out of nine penalties last season, whereas we pretty much missed nine out of nine penalties!” More on www.blythspartans.com 10
SATURDAY 8TH JULY 2017
PHOTOGRAPH BY STEVE BOYLE
Spartans’ second pre-season game will be against West Auckland Town of the Northern League Division One. The club West Auckland are famous for winning one of the first ever international football trophies called the Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy. They won the cup twice; in 1909 and 1911.
Most recently ‘West’ have had success in the FA Vase; the amateur competition for teams in the lower leagues on non-league football. They have reached the final twice not so long ago in 2012 and 2014. This meant they played on the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium, however lost both times and are still yet to win the FA Vase.
Last season in the Northern League they finished a disappointing 18th place and with some investment this year they will be looking to vastly improve on this position in the 2017/18 season.
They lost top scorer Adam Burnicle to Shildon late on last season which was a big blow to the team struggling near the bottom as he had scored 18 goals prior to his move.
The supporters from Blyth will travel 46 miles south to ‘The Wanted Stadium’ which has a capacity of 2000 with 75 seats.
Regardless of this they still have player-coach Paul Connor who has played as a striker for Stoke City in the past and would still be a real threat up top in the lower divisions.
11 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
15:00 K.O Chairman: Jim Palfreyman Manager: Gary Forrest League: Northern League D1 Top Scorer: Adam Burnicle (18) Nickname: ‘West’ Colours: Yellow/Black
KEY PLAYERS Paul Connor // Forward and Coach The 38-year-old attacker has scored goals for the likes of Stoke City, Rochdale and Swansea however now plays with West Auckland and is part of the coaching team. Lewis Galpin // Defender Versatile defender who can play at both centre back and left back. Started his career with Gateshead and made eight appearances in the conference. Tommy Marron // Defensive Midfielder Marron is said to be a team player and has the ability to read the game very well. Previous clubs include: Hartlepool, Marske, Guisborough, Sunderland RCA and Billingham Synthonia.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Lost 2-0 vs Dunston UTS Tuesday 28th March 2017. Lost 4-0 vs Whitley Bay Saturday 8th April 2017. Lost 3-0 vs Penrith Monday 10th April 2017. Won 0-1 vs Newcastle Benfield Saturday 15th April 2017. Lost 0-2 vs Jarrow Roofing Tuesday 18th April 2017. Lost 1-2 vs Shildon Saturday 22nd April 2017. 12
13 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
PHOTO BY BILL BROADLEY
DAN MAGUIRE
TUESDAY 11TH JULY 2017
PHOTOGRAPH BY TOM CLEGG
Shildon are the third team to play Blyth in their pre-season preparations and will be the second trip away from home for the Green Army. Shildon play their football in the Northern League Division One and play their home games at Dean Street. Shildon have a solid and experienced team with players such as Kyle May and Matty Robson who have both played higher up but dropping down in the tail-end of their careers. This past season they finished 4th in the ninth tier of English football with 94 points in a very competitive league which also saw them pick up a goal difference of positive 60 with 112 goals scored. 15 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
A chunk of these goals were scored by Lewis Wing who was prolific in the Northern League, scoring 37 goals which eventually earned him a move to now-Championship side Middlesbrough on a one year deal. The 22-year-old will play alongside former Blyth Spartans frontman Luke Armstrong in Middlesbrough’s U23’s squad for the upcoming season. Prior to their game with Blyth, Shildon will have played their own U23 team and Darlington at home Saturday before they again play Spartans on the Tuesday.
19:30 K.O Chairman: David Dent Manager: Daniel Moore League: Northern League D1 Top Scorer: Lewis Wing (37) Nickname: ‘The Railwaymen’ Colours: Red/White
KEY PLAYERS Adam Burnicle // Forward Scored 24 goals total in the league last season for West Auckland and Shildon. He signed for The Railwaymen in February and scored six goals in the league for them. Kyle May // Defender A recent signing from Workington, Kyle May had made 544 competitive appearances in the seventh tier before dropping down to the Northern League Division One. He is sure to be a main feature at the heart of the Shildon defence. Matty Robson // Left Back/Winger Robson signed for Shildon following his release from League Two club Carlisle United. The 32-year-old adds even more experience to this Shildon side.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Won 2-0 vs North Shields Saturday 25th March 2017. Won 5-1 vs Penrith Thursday 30th March 2017. Drew 1-1 vs Jarrow Roofing Saturday 8th April 2017. Won 6-3 vs Consett Saturday 15th April 2017. Won 3-0 vs Marske United Wednesday 19th April 2017. Won 1-2 vs West Auckland Town Saturday 22nd April 2017. 16
17 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
SATURDAY 15TH JULY 2017
Last season’s League Two play-off semi-finalists Carlisle United are the first Football League side to visit Croft Park this pre-season, with Alun Armstrong’s Blyth Spartans playing host to Keith Curle’s outfit. Carlisle lost out in the League Two end of season lottery to beaten finalists Exeter City, but the side now famed for playing 3-5-2 will be one of the front runners to gain promotion to the third tier of English football this season having pushed for a top three spot for much of last season before ultimately settling for a berth in the play-offs. Current Blyth defender Nathan Buddle will be hoping to feature against his former club, having made three first team appearances for the Cumbrian outfit in 2015, having joined the club from Blyth after two years in his first spell with the Club. Other 19 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
players who have played for both sides include Alan Shoulder and Craig Farrell. The two sides have only met once in competitive history, a 1962 FA Cup game going in Carlisle’s favour, winning 2-0 at Croft Park to progress to the next stage at the expense of ourselves. In 2015, Carlisle beat Blyth 1-0 in a friendly which kicked off the Cumbrian side’s pre-season but having amassed 101 points in the seventh tier of English football last time out, Blyth can be hopeful of getting something more favourable against a side still reeling from such cruel heartbreak at the end of their own campaign. The Cumbrians play their home games at Brunton Park but will be travelling 70 miles East to visit Croft Park on Saturday 15th July. By Nathan Spafford
KEY PLAYERS
15:00 K.O Chairman: Andrew Jenkins Manager: Keith Curle League: League Two Top Scorer: Charlie Wyke (15) Nickname: ‘Cumbrians’ Colours: Red/White
Danny Grainger // Defender Ex-Gretna, Dundee United, Hearts and St. Mirren left back who is now captain for Carlisle having made 108 appearances since signing in 2014. Nicky Adams // Winger Adams was the only Carlisle United player to feature in the PFA League Two team of the season. The five time Wales u21 International has previously played for the likes of Leicester City, Brentford and Crawley Town. Jason Kennedy // Midfielder The goalscoring midfielder signed for Carlisle in 2015 following a loan spell from Bradford City. Kennedy played a big part in their run in to the League Two playoffs contributing 11 league goals.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Drew 1-1 vs Stevenage Monday 17th April 2017. Drew 3-3 vs Crawley Town Saturday 22nd April 2017. Won 2-1 vs Newport County Saturday 29th April 2017. Won 2-3 vs Exeter City Saturday 6th May 2017. Drew 3-3 vs Exeter City (League Two Playoff Semi-Final First Leg) Sunday 14th May 2017. Lost 3-2 vs Exeter City (League Two Playoff Semi-Final Second Leg) Thursday 18th May 2017.
20
21 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
MEDIA ZONE // message from media manager Stuart Dick
Hello and welcome to Croft Park for today’s game against, well, either Carlisle United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Morpeth Town, South Shields or Whitby Town. We’ve decided to combine all of pre-season into one bumper edition. This will be my first pre-season with Blyth Spartans, a summer signing if you will from Morpeth Town where I was the Head of Media for the past few seasons. I’ve previously spent time at both Bedlington Terriers and Newcastle United Ladies as part of the media setup. It is a huge honour for me to be appointed as the Media Manager at the club. I must thank Ian Evans, Ant Seghini, Tony Platten and the rest of the executive committee for giving me this opportunity. I replace the outgoing Phil Castiaux, who was a fantastic servant for the club and helped establish the Blyth Spartans media team as one of the best in the country, at any level. I have big shoes to fill, but they are shoes I am relishing to step into this term. I join a fantastic media team already in place at the club, and we plan to hit the ground running this year with more emphasis on video content and social media as we look to increase the output of BSAFC TV. We hope to bring you more footage from the training ground including challenges and competitions, as well as more angles on matchday as we produce highlights of every fixture. We are also looking to further develop our very own radio coverage on our Blyth Live online audio channel, with pre-match content and post-match interviews, turning Blyth Live into its very own radio show, not just a 90-minute commentary. As we look to pre-season, we as a media team will also be trialling things as we aim to be ready for the new campaign, and I will be seeing some familiar faces on the 25th July at Croft Park when Morpeth Town visit. Having joined the Highwaymen in October 2014, the club quickly became a passion of mine, with Nick Gray and Dave Malone improving the side year-on-year as the club began to challenge on many fronts. The 2015/16 FA Vase campaign will live long in the memory, not just the performance in the final, but the entire journey, squeaking past Billingham Synthonia, defeating South Shields 10-9 on penalties after the game was postponed nine times, knocking out the holders North Shields when down to 10-men in the most horrific of gales. Then, of course, defeating Hereford FC 4-1 at Wembley with the whole world against us, what a day, what a performance. I’ve had some unforgettable days with our friends from Craik Park, and that is thanks to the chance Chairmen Ken Beattie gave me to run the media at the Northern League club. I’ll be forever grateful to him. Now I can’t wait to make further memories with the Green and White Army of Blyth Spartans, Howay Blyth! If you have any queries or feedback regarding the media output at Blyth Spartans, email stuart@sdjournalism.co.uk.
2017/18 FI
IXTURES/RESULTS
PLAYERS 2017/18 SQUAD PROFILES
DAN MAGUIRE // FORWARD 24-year-old Dan Maguire has made over 150 appearances for Blyth Spartans in the past five seasons and has scored 102 goals in the process. Signed from Northern Alliance side Seaton Delaval, Maguire is the danger man up top and was a main part of the promtion winning squad last season netting 30 goals in the league. His goalscoring ability earned him a move to FC Halifax Town in 2015 but re-signed for Blyth due to work commitments.
ROBBIE DALE // FORWARD Robbie Dale is one of the most well known names at this level in football having been with Spartans since 2005, having a spell at Whitley Bay then coming back to play at Croft Park later on. Now 33, Dale is still scoring goals, in fact he scored 14 last season in the seventh tier of English football and will be relishing his chance back in the National League North with Blyth Spartans this season. In the FA Cup Robbie has also scored 4 goals in 7 appearances which is an average of just over a goal every two games. The towering forward has also been described as the “best player to never play professionally� by The Telegraph writer Luke Edwards. He has prevously declined a contract from Oxford United and also been offered trials at various Football Leagues clubs but prefers his lifestyle up north as a semi-professional footballer. 25 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
DAVID ATKINSON // DEFENDER Atkinson made his debut for Blyth last season and went on to make 15 appearances. Previous clubs include: Middlesbrough, Hartlepool United and Carlisle United. NATHAN BUDDLE // DEFENDER After joining from Hartlepool in 2013 Buddle made a name for himself up north and signed for League Two side Carlisle United in 2014. After a stint at Gateshead he re-signed for Blyth 2015. RYAN HUTCHINSON // DEFENDER ‘Hutchy’ made his Spartans debut against Matlock Town in 2014. Previous clubs include: Celtic, St. Johnstone, Morpeth Town and Seaton Delaval. CHRIS BELL // DEFENDER After playing for Blyth earlier in his career, Bell re-joined from Consett in 2014/15 and has made 17 appearances since. IAN WATSON // DEFENDER 31-year-old Watson is Blyth’s first summer signing coming from Spennymoor Town. ANDREW CARTWRIGHT // DEFENDER Signed from the Sunderland academy for the 2015/16 season, the 22-year-old has made 67 appearances so far at Blyth. MICHAEL LIDDLE // DEFENDER Experienced defender having played in League One and Two earlier in his career. The Sunderland academy product has also made 5 appearances for Republic of Ireland U21.
JORDAN WATSON // DEFENDER Signed from Darlington 1883 Jordan Watson has made 18 appeances in defence, 2 from the bench. DAVID MCTIERNAN // MIDFIELDER Another player who made their debut last season, McTiernan played in 15 games and scored 2 goals from midfield. DAMEN MULLEN // MIDFIELDER Mullen returned to Blyth Spartans from FA Vase winners Morpeth Town in 2016. He made 22 appearances last season. SEAN REID // MIDFIELDER Made his debut in August 2015 against Buxton. Scored 20 goals last season in 50 apps. NEAL HOOKS // MIDFIELDER + ASSISTANT Joint Assistant Manager and midfielder who has played for various clubs in the north and Scotland. Made his Blyth debut in 2010 against AFC Telford United. ADAM WRIGHTSON // MIDFIELDER 29-year-old Wrightson scored 4 goals and made 18 appearances for Blyth last season, 12 as a substitute. DALE HOPSON // FORWARD Big signing for Blyth this summer from Whitby Town where he scored 30 goals from midfield. He is making a step up to the sixth tier this season in the National League North. JORDAN LAIDLER // FORWARD Released from Sunderland as a youth player, Laidler went on to play for Northern League sides West Auckland Town and Newton Aycliffe before signing for Blyth Spartans in Janaury 2017. JARRETT RIVERS // FORWARD Spennymoor-born winger Rivers is another to have re-signed for Blyth in recent years after making 10 appearances for Blackpool in the 2015/16 season. He played in 43 games last season and was a pivotal part of the promotion campaign with 11 goals to his name for the season.
PITCH SPONSORSHIP // £5-£20
Sponsor your part of the Croft Park turf. Single squares cost just £5, while the larger premium - penalty areas and centre circle - cost £20.
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
SHIRT SPONSORSHIP // £45
You can sponsor your very own shirt for the 2017/18 season - and take the jersey away at the end of the year. Sponsors will be presented with their desegnated shirt at the club’s end of season awards or at the sponsors’ evening. Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
27 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
Contact Mark Scott on markscott@blythspartansafc.com or 07570 794 374 for any sponsorship packages.
ACROSS 2. Who did Blyth play in the 3rd round of the 2014/15 FA Cup? 4. In what year were Blyth Spartans founded? 6. Which goalscoring midfielder signed for Spartans from Whitby Town this summer? 9. Which cup competition did Blyth Spartans win last season? 10. Who scored the winning goal against Hartlepool in the 2014/15 FA Cup 2nd round win? DOWN 1. What is striker Dan Maguire’s full time job outside of football? 3. Which team will Blyth be playing first in their pre season preparations? 5. Which club did manager Alun Armstrong finish his playing career with? 7. Andrew Cartwright started his career with which club? 8. What is Blyth Spartans’ ground called?
29 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
SPOT THE BALL!
A C
B PHOTOGRAPH BY BILL BROADLEY
ANSWERS TO ALL QUIZZES ARE ON THE BACK PAGE! 30
TUESDAY 18TH JULY 2017
PHOTOGRAPH BY SUNDERLAND AFC FACEBOOK
We welcome Championship side Sunderland for our fourth game of Pre-Season. Despite the Black Cats not sending their first team to Craik Park, it will be a tough test against mixture of fringe players and their Under 23s. Sunderland are under new management after David Moyes resigned following the clubs relegation from the Premier League, for first time since 2006. Simon Grayson took charge this summer having been at Preston North End, where he guided the Lilywhites to League One promotion. Grayson has only made one signing this summer. Defender Brendan Galloway joined on loan from Everton, where the 21 year-old made 20 Premier League appearances. However, The Black Cats have lost star striker Jermaine Defoe, who scored 34 goals for the club, to Bournemouth. The Sunderland under 23s were the Pre31 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
mier League International Cup runners-up last season, losing 5-0 to Porto in the final. In the Premier League 2 Division 1 the side finished seventh, while reaching the second round of recently formed EFL trophy. The dangermen of the young side are George Honeyman and 18 year old Josh Maja. The latter scored six times in 12 starts for the under 23s while making the bench of the first team four times. Honeyman has also scored six times for this side and made five appearances in the Premier League last campaign. Other notable players are Lynden Gooch who has played 11 times in the Premier League. While former Manchester United youth players Donald Love and Paddy McNair signed last summer for a combined ÂŁ5.5million. McNair featured 24 times
19:30 K.O Chairman: Ellis Short Manager: Simon Grayson League: Championship Top Scorer: Jermaine Defoe (15) Nickname: ‘The Black Cats’ Colours: Red/White
for United in the Premier League during his time at Old Trafford. Elliott Dickman has been boss of this side since January, but has only won one league match. 38 year-old coach Dickman used to be a player at Manchester United before joining Sunderland, playing for the youth and reserve teams before his playing career was cut short aged 20 due to injuries. Our opposition today have faced Sunderland RCA and Morpeth Town in recent days before coming to Croft Park. Reuben Young Twitter: @reubeny96
KEY PLAYERS George Honeyman // Forward Proven goalscorer in the Sunderland reserve side and has made Premier League appearances. Josh Maja // Forward Eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents the London-born stiker is an academy graduate and has already made an appeance in the League Cup for the first team. Donald Love // Defender Joined from Manchester United after making two first team appearances for the Red Devils. The defender has represented Scotland at three different youth levels.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Lost 1-0 vs Middlesbrough Wednesday 26th April 2017. Lost 0-1 vs Bournemouth Saturday 29th April 2017. Won 0-2 vs Hull City Saturday 6th May 2017. Lost 0-2 vs Swansea City Saturday 13th May 2017. Lost 2-0 vs Arsenal Tuesday 16th May 2017. Lost 5-1 vs Chelsea Saturday 21st May 2017. 32
33 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
SATURDAY 22ND JULY 2017
The sixth friendly of pre-season sees Middlesbrough visit Croft Park. The Championship side will be one of the highest level opposition the Spartans will face in pre-season, a whole four divisions above. Boro are under new management since relegation from the Premier League with former Leeds and Swansea boss Garry Monk taking charge. They haven’t signed any players in the summer so far and have currently lost last year’s top scorer Alvaro Negredo, who bagged nine goals in the league, back to Valencia. Danger-men for the recently relegated side are Cristhian Stuani and Marten De Roon who both scored four goals in the Premier League last campaign. The latter a £12million acquisition from Ajax last summer. While tricky winger Adama 35 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
Traore came through the world famous academy of Barcelona, featuring twice before making a move to England in 2015; and will undoubtedly cause a threat in the last third. Today’s visitors may have lacked in their attacking statistics last season, but showed their strength at the other end, with 11 clean sheets. Ben Gibson a starlet of their academy, once had a loan spell in the Conference Premier with now league rivals York City, and is a figure head of the Boro defence. Middlesbrough’s last outing against nonleague opposition was in the 2016/17 pre-season, where York City were on the end of a 6-0 rout at home. Hastings United was the last non-league side to face the fellow northern side in a competitive match, Boro were the victors that day winning 4-1 in the FA Cup 3rd round in 2013.
KEY PLAYERS
15:00 K.O Chairman: Steve Gibson Manager: Gary Monk League: Championship Top Scorer: Álvaro Negredo (10) Nickname: ‘The Boro’ Colours: Red/White
deal that saw former striker Luke Armstrong move back to the Riverside, where he spent time as a youngster in the academy. The 20 year-old was a starlet of last season’s side scoring 23 goals as Blyth were crowned champions of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League. Reuben Young Twitter: @reubeny96
Ben Gibson // Defender Boro academy product who after loan spells with Plymouth Argyle, York City and Tranmere Rovers established himself in the Middlesbrough XI and played all 38 games in the Premier League last season. Adam Clayton // Midfielder The 28-year-old is established in the Championship having played for Leeds United and Huddersfield Town before signing for the Boro in summer 2014. 21 appearances in the Premier League last season. Patrick Bamford // Forward The former Chelsea player will be looking to repeat to his last time in the Championship with Middlesbrough when he scored 17 goals in 38 appearances during his loan spell in 2014/15.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Lost 4-0 vs Bournemouth Saturday 22nd April 2017. Won 1-0 vs Sunderland Wednesday 26th April 2017. Drew 2-2 vs Manchester City Sunday 30th April 2017. Lost 3-0 vs Chelsea Monday 8th May 2017. Lost 1-2 vs Southampton Saturday 13th May 2017. Lost 3-0 vs Liverpool Sunday 21st May 2017.
36
37 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
ACTION REPLAY EVO-STIK PREMIER LEAGUE ATTENDANCE: 1041 SAT 22ND APRIL 2017
V
BY GLEN MAXWELL Blyth Spartans started their Evo-Stik League trophy celebrations in fine style on Saturday – as they ended their five-year tenure in the league with a 5-1 triumph over Grantham Town. Man of the Match Daniel Maguire opened the scoring on 17 minutes, before his back-heel set up Robert Dale to double Blyth’s lead 11 minutes later. The striker struck two more in the second half to reach 30 league goals for the season, before an own goal from Stefan Galenski put Spartans 5-0 up with 19 minutes to go. Harry Clifton claimed a consolation for the visitors three minutes later, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 1041-strong Croft Park crowd – as Spartans celebrated their promotion to the Vanarama National League North with a trophy presentation and a lap of honour after the final whistle. After his sudden passing earlier in the week, both sides paid tribute to former England defender Ugo Ehiogu with a minute’s silence before kickoff. Nathan Buddle then paid his own homage to the former West Brom, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough centre-back within the first two minutes – as he battled in the box to head Dale’s corner towards goal. Ever the opportunist, Luke Armstrong then tried desperately to get a touch on it to divert the ball past Kieran Preston to no avail. Preston and his opposite number, Paul Woolston, were both forced into tame saves during the first ten minutes. However, the two teams cancelled themselves out in a well-contested start to proceedings at Croft Park. The Gingerbreads had formed a guard of honour for the Evo-Stik Premier League champions, but they showed no respect when trying to put the ball in the back of Woolston’s net on 13 minutes. Clifton rolled a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but none of teammates were able to get onto the end of it. The same couldn’t be said for Spartans four minutes later though, when Jarrett Rivers picked up a loose ball 20 yards out and drove into space that just opened up in front of him. The winger expertly placed the ball past the outstretched hand of Preston, which presented Maguire with the simplest of tap ins to open the scoring. Town were in no mood to roll over for Blyth though, especially when Lee Shaw beat the offside trap and rode the challenge of Ryan Hutchinson inside the area. The striker got his shot away, but Buddle got a fantastic diving block in at his feet to quell the danger. The visitors would come to rue that miss even more two minutes before the half-hour mark – as Spartans doubled their lead in emphatic style. Dale danced into the box and made a mockery of the Grantham back-line, before laying the ball off to Maguire inside the box. ‘Nipa’ played an equally impressive back-heel straight back into the path of the Spartans captain, who calmly capped the move by curling the ball inside the post and leaving Preston standing. The hosts could have been celebrating again five minutes later as well, when Hutchinson made his way up the pitch and avoided a slide tackle on the edge of the area. He laid the ball off to fellow full-back Michael Liddle
arriving on the left, but the former Sunderland defender couldn’t pick out the top corner with his bullet strike. With only five minutes of the first half remaining, Grantham had a glorious chance to reduce their deficit going into the break. The ball fell perfectly into the feet of Filepe Barcelos in the Blyth box, but he flashed his shot wide across Woolston when he really should have done better. Spartans came back out for the second half looking to pick up where they left off and they did just that, when Maguire stabbed home just three minutes after the restart. McTiernan’s header from a Rivers cross looped up over Preston and appeared to be going in, but somehow managed to stay out of the Grantham goal after striking the upright. Maguire was there to meet the ball the back post though – as he fired into an empty net for his second of the afternoon. Both sides seemed happy to settle things down after that, but the Croft Park faithful were back on their feet on the hour to celebrate Maguire’s hat-trick and 30th goal of the season. Hutchinson burst forward once again and played a great ball through to the 24-year-old, who was left one-on-one inside the area. ‘Nipa’ forcefully fired the ball over the Town keeper and into the back of the net, giving Preston no chance of stopping it from nearly ripping through the back of the net. Things then went from bad to even worse for the visitors on 71 minutes – as Stefan Galenski diverted Rivers’ cross into his own net. It will be of no consolation to the centre-back, but it was a good finish from him. Grantham’s great band of travelling fans finally had something to cheer about three minutes later though – as a neat passage of play saw them eventually get the better of Woolston. Clifton reacted well to a Grantham back-heel of their own in the box, before putting the ball past the on-loan Newcastle United goalkeeper via a deflection off substitute Jordan Laidler’s foot. This caused the vocal section of away supporters – who were in fine voice throughout the game – to optimistically state “We’re going to win 6-5.” Just five minutes later, however, Spartans nearly had cause to celebrate once more – as Adam Wrightson picked out fellow substitute Matty Pattison with a brilliant cross. The ball came just too quickly for the former South African international though, otherwise he’d surely have been able to guide his volley into Town’s net. Spartans were presented with the Evo-Stik Premier League trophy, to celebrate an outstanding season for the club.
TUESDAY 25TH JULY 2017
PHOTOGRAPH BY CJC PHOTO
Blyth host the 2016 FA Vase winners at the end of July in which Morpeth fans will travel just 10 miles to watch their team play at Croft Park. Morpeth are a team on the up, after winning the FA Vase in 2016 they managed a 2nd place finish behind South Shileds in the Northern League Division One last season. Their 136 goals last season was the most scored by any team in the league and this can only be down to the success of players such as Liam Henderson, who managed 27 of these goals, coupled with the 41 assists from Ben Sayer during the season. The clubs honours include being champions of the Northern Alliance twice as 39 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
well as winning the Northumberland Senior Cup on two occasions; most recently in 2007. The team are managed by a joint management team of Nick Gray and Dave Malone and play their home games at Craik Park where they have seen an average attendance of 226 this past season. Prior to their visit to Croft Park Morpeth will have played the likes of Alnwick Town, Spennymoor Town and Sunderland XI. They will use the friendly aganst Blyth as a warm up to their JR Cleator Cup game against North Shields on the Saturday.
19:30 K.O Chairman: Ken Beattie Manager: Nick Gray/Dave Malone League: Northern League D1 Top Scorer: Liam Henderson (27) Nickname: ‘The Highwaymen’ Colours: Amber/Black
KEY PLAYERS Liam Henderson // Forward The ex-Watford and York City striker scored 27 goals last season for Morpeth which contributed towards Morpeth’s +80 goal difference in the league. Ben Sayer // Midfielder The ex-Newcastle United, Team Northumbria, Blyth Spartans and Spennymoor Town player made his debut for Morpeth in the 2014/15 season. He assisted 41 goals last year in the Northern League Division One. Karl Dryden // Goalkeeper Dryden was an important figure between the sticks last season. He made 51 appearances in total and helped his team to a second place finish; conceding 56 goals in the process.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Won 5-1 vs Ashington Monday 10th April 2017. Won 1-2 vs North Shields Wednesday 12th April 2017. Drew 1-1 vs South Shields Saturday 15th April 2017. Won 1-0 vs Washington Wednesday 19th April 2017. Won 4-2 vs Marske United Saturday 22nd April 2017. Lost 3-1 vs Newton Aycliffe Tuesday 25th April 2017. 40
41 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
ARMSTRONG LOOKING TO BUILD ON PRE-SEASON “We saw Dale [Hopson] and Robbie [Dale] creating problems throughout the first half. We could have been two or three up by half-time, Wrighty could have had a hat-trick. “The main thing is the lads got minutes in the legs.” And a number of trialists were given the chance to shine in front of a 162 strong crowd at the Wanted Stadium, but Armstrong warned fans they shouldn’t expect an influx of new faces.
Blyth Spartans boss Alun Armstrong described the pre-season opener with EBAC Northern League Division One side West Auckland Town as a ‘great workout’ in a hard fought 1-1 draw. Armstrong’s side – which featured seven trialists over the course of the game – took the lead on the stroke of half time, through the lively Adam Wrightson.
The 42-year-old added: “There’ll not be too many more signings to be honest – as long as everyone stays fit. Maybe one or two to strengthen the strong squad we have. “We need to get the goalkeeper situation sorted. We’ve currently got three on trial, so we are trying to get that sorted [and] should have one by the end of the week. “Other than that I’m happy with the squad.”
But a 78th minute spot kick from former Spennymoor Town striker Nathan Fisher denied Spartans victory. Speaking to BSAFCTV, Armstrong said: “It was a great workout for the lads. First half I thought the tempo was good, we started the game really well [and] some of the attacking play was good to see. “Obviously there is a lot of things for us to work on.” It was a first chance for the Blyth faithful to see new signing Dale Hopson in action and he didn’t disappoint with a couple of moments of brilliance.
42
SATURDAY 29TH JULY 2017
PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER TALBOT
Blyth play the quadruple winning South Shields side in their third-to-last pre-season game which will be played at Croft Park. South Shields did the unthinkable last season by winning four trophies in one season. This included: the Northern League, Northern League Cup, FA Vase and the Durham Challenge Cup. Their trip to Wembley where they beat Cleethorpes Town 0-4 was one of the better highlights to the season. This trophy was the first time former Premier League player Julio Arca had won at Wembley. Alongside Julio Arca in the South Shields squad is other well-known figures such as ex-Gateshead player Jon Shaw and a name Blyth Spartans fans will remember is Dillon Morse.
43 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
Morse, who made 41 appearances for Spartans in their 2015/16 Evo-Stik Premier campaign signed for South Shields at the start of the 2016/17 season and has been a major part of the defence with his height and threat from aerial balls. Aside from the squad they currently have things were much different for The Mariners in the 2012/13 season where they were relegated and forced to play 21 miles away in Peterlee because of ground leasing problems. After new chairman Geoff Thompson took over the club their fortunes started to change after they made some high profile signings and won back to back promotions to the eighth tier of English football where they will look to progress even further.
KEY PLAYERS
15:00 K.O Chairman: Geoff Thompson Manager: Graham Fenton/Lee Picton League: NPL Division One North Top Scorer: Carl Finnigan (23) Nickname: ‘The Mariners’ Colours: Claret/Sky Blue
Jon Shaw // Defender The striker-turned-defender was a rock at the back for South Shields throughout their 2016/17 quadruple winning season. The ex-Gateshead and Luton player signed for The Mariners in July 2016. Dillon Morse // Defender Towering centre half who made the move from Blyth to South Shields in July 2016 and scored 7 goals from defence during the 2016/17 season. Gavin Cogdon // Forward With 30 goals in all competitions last season Cogdon is a big threat up top for any opposition. The Spennymoor Town legend is nicknamed ‘Titch’.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Drew 1-1 vs Morpeth Town Saturday 15th April 2017. Won 1-4 vs Ashington Tuesday 18th April 2017. Won 2-3 vs Guisborough Town Saturday 22nd April 2017. Won 0-2 vs Billingham Synthonia (Durham Challenge Cup Final) Wednesday 3rd May 2017. Won 0-5 vs North Shields (Northern League Cup Final) Saturday 6th May 2017. Won 0-4 vs Cleethorpes Town (FA Vase Final) Sunday 21st May 2017. 44
45 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
L A I C R E M COMS UPDATE NEW OST
...THE M
WITH “
AGUE
ON-LE
US N FAMO
FOO
TEAM TBALL
IN THE
D”
WORL
Blyth Spartans are delighted to announce that local Estate Agent Lennon Properties will take over as official sponsors of the Plessey End of the Stadium this summer from Tynetec. Martin Trinder is the Director and founder of Lennon Properties and as a Blyth Supporter he jumped at the opportunity to have his company name associated with the Spartans senior side after a number of years being associated with the juniors. “I have always been a huge supporter of Blyth Spartans and am proud to sponsor my local club” Commercial Manager Mark Scott earmarked Lennon Properties as a key local business to work with early into his role in the summer of 2016: “I’d invited Martin to a game a couple of times and it was good to meet him with his son Lennon also in attendance. I could see he was keen to show his support for the club and way before the opportunity to sponsor the Plessey End of the ground came up he expressed his desire to have his businesses name prominent in the Stadium.” With considerable experience in the property sector Martin grew up in Blyth and has always had a keen interest in both residential and commercial properties. He began purchasing property in 1997 at the young age of 18 and has continued to build up a substantial property portfolio to the current day. Lennon Properties opened its doors in 2015 as the 1st Hybrid Estate Agents to operate within Blyth offering Residential and Commercial Sales, Lettings and Property Management services. The team of experienced staff have over 30 years combined experience in the Estate Agency business that is willing to go the extra mile for its customers. Lennon Properties offers a unique selling and renting experience combining traditional high street Estate Agency with online technology to give customers the best of both worlds. They can be contacted 7 days a week over the phone and online making the service more convenient and flexible for customers. They cover Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and surrounding areas. Lennon Properties can be found at: 1 Seaforth Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 1AY They can be contacted on: 01670 719600 or blyth@lennonproperties.co.uk.
Contact Mark Scott on markscott@blythspartansafc.com or 07570 794 374 in relation to all commercial and advertising opportunities.
TUESDAY 1ST AUGUST 2017
Whitby Town are Blyth Spartans’ final pre-season opponents, with the Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit coming to Croft Park for this early August fixture. The Seasiders finished sixth in the seventh tier of English football last season and Chris Hardy’s side will be looking to use this match as a springboard for a season in which the North Yorkshire side will be hoping to go one better and secure promotion to the National League North. Dale Hopson is a player who may feature for Blyth against his former employers, having joined Blyth in late June prior to the start of the pre-season schedule. The Stockton-On-Tees born central midfielder has previously been on the books of Premier League side Huddersfield Town and plyed his trade with Whitby for the best part of two years. 47 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
The two sides have met on 27 previous occasions. Whitby have nine wins to their name with six draws shared between the two sides. The sides faced off twice last season in Blyth’s promotion winning campaign with a win apiece, Whitby triumphing 2-1 on Boxing Day with Blyth exacting revenge and showing their title winning credentials with a 5-1 reverse in April. While any match against Blyth is not to be sniffed at, Whitby have had their fair share of high profile pre-season fixtures having taken part in a tournament with Premier League Newcastle United, Scottish giants Celtic and Dutch top flight side AZ Alkmaar with every fixture played at Turnbull Ground. by Nathan Spafford
19:30 K.O Chairman: Graham Manser Manager: Chris Hardy League: NPL Premier Division Top Scorer: Dale Hopson (26) Nickname: ‘The Blues’ Colours: Blue/White
KEY PLAYERS Mikey Roberts // Forward The forward scored 23 league goals in his first season after signing in 2015 for an undisclosed fee. He was previously tracked by Premier League outfit Crystal Palace and is sure to be a threat up top for Whitby. Steven Snaith // Midfielder Snaith is club captain at Whitby Town. He is described as a tough and hard working midfielder. Snaith once played at Hartlepool United earlier in his career. Shane Bland // Goalkeeper The ex-Middlesbrough shot stopper signed a new two year contract with the Blues in 2016 and is number one at The Turnbull Ground.
LAST SIX GAMES (16/17) Won 0-2 vs Corby Town Saturday 8th April 2017. Won 0-1 vs Mickleover Sports Tuesday 11th April 2017. Drew 2-2 vs Warrington Town Saturday 15th April 2017. Lost 1-5 vs Blyth Spartans Monday 17th April 2017. Won 1-0 vs Hednesford Town Saturday 22nd April 2017. Won 3-1 vs Pickering Town (North Riding Senior Cup Final) Monday 15th May 2017. 48
Stephen McCulloch
49 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
FANS BLOG Well, what a season 2016/17 was. Full of optimism with signings and re-signings (Matty Pattison, Jarret Rivers etc), we started okay with Tom Wade at the helm but faltered at home to Morpeth in FA Cup during September in a game where we had chances, but Morpeth took their’s so fair play to them. At this point Tom decided to move aside and Alun Armstrong and his management team came in and shuffled the team a bit, having a mediocre start but then KAPPOW Spartans went from strength to strength breaking club records for goals scored and points gained. Star performers from 1 to 11 and the guys coming on as subs did the business too. As I’m living in York its often easier to get to away games due to my shifts and distance travelled but some performances on the road were just amazing. Thinking of a 7-1 win at Mickleover Sports and a hard-fought win at Stourbridge. Great scenes at Ashton with a few Mexicans for good measure. The craic in the clubhouses up and down the country has been superb and much to do with those canny Cannock lads who are very vocal during games and helping the share price of local breweries. Visits to market towns and industrial towns, meeting locals and hearing that we were “the best side we’ve had here this season” many
times has been a treat. So, although I enjoyed my season from start to finish, I can easily say even when I saw them lose a couple they played well and were a tad unlucky. Seeing Robbie and the lads lifting the champions trophy in such style and larger than usual crowd was perhaps my favourite memory of watching Spartans since 1977. So we are now off to pastures new, some grounds have been visited, and some we will have the pleasure of visiting for the first time. Crowds will be up and excitement reaching new levels. Whatever happens next season, one thing is for sure, I think we will win more than we lose due to a great squad and two good signings added to last season’s team. Last but not least, the lads in the club shop, the girls in the clubhouse and all others working behind the scenes have played a part in the most memorable of seasons and we appreciate each and every one of you. Haway Blyth, great club and great fans. Kindest regards Nicky (@NickyK58)
WANT TO BE FEATURED? If you would like to be featured in the next programme and write a blog about anything to do with your beloved Spartans then please send an email to dansimmonite@outlook.com.
L A I C R E M COMORTUNITIES OPP OST FA
...THE M
WITH “
OTBA
UE FO
-LEAG
NON MOUS
M IN LL TEA
ORLD”
THE W
Blyth Spartans Association Football Club is the prominent non-league football team in the Northumberland playing in the Vanarama National League North 2 levels below the Football League. For the coming 2017/18 season we will have at least 21 visiting teams for league fixtures including former football league clubs York City, Stockport County, Boston United and Darlington. We have been in existence for over 100 years and have a famous FA Cup tradition the pinnacle being in 1978/9 when we were drawn against the cup holders Arsenal in the quarter final. Spartans were beaten 2-1 against Wrexham in a replay at the St James Park in front of 42,000 with 15,000 locked out! The comment from the Secretary of the FA Ted Croker was “Blyth Spartans must be the most famous non-league football team in the world”. In the fifteen years that the new executive committee have been running the club we have progressed to the third round of the FA Cup twice and the television coverage (against Blackburn Rovers, Bournemouth and Hartlepool United) once again cemented Blyth Spartans reputation as giant killers. Two phases of ground improvements at a total cost of over £500,000 has brought Croft Park up to full National League standard whilst also improving the facilities for supporters. The club’s success on and off the pitch has helped increase gates from an average of 250 to 700 over this time period. The club’s ultimate goal is Football League status. To this end the club has put in place a development plan detailing future ground improvements, organisational structure and more importantly a financial business plan. The first phase was completed in early 2016 with the opening of a new 3G training pitch. At all levels of football finance is a key factor in running the club. Sponsorship is a significant part of our budget with shirt sponsorship being the highest profile and gaining the most exposure. We also have a vibrant Social Club which has been refurbished over the last three years to provide one of the largest function venues in Blyth. The Club has four main stand sponsors Tynetec, The Commissioners Quay Inn, Fergusons Transport and the Port of Blyth that all play a significant role in supporting the club. Other local businesses and individuals also support the club through various sponsorship opportunities.
*For a sponsorship package to suit the budget of your business or any other commercial enquiry please contact Mark Scott by his email - markscott@blythspartansafc.com 51 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
Date
OPPONENT
MATCHDAY £440+VAT
MotM £220+VAT
8/8/17 12/8/17 19/8/17 28/8/17 9/9/17 12/9/17 7/10/17 28/10/17 11/11/17 2/12/17 9/12/17 26/12/17 6/1/18 20/1/18 10/2/18 17/2/18
- Ten tickets in the directors box - Complementary drinks before/after match - Half-Time refreshments - Post-match buffet - Matchday programme showing company name - Matchday PA Announcements - Suovenir gift certificate presented at the end of the game.
York City Tamworth North Ferriby United Harrogate Town Boston United Chorley Nuneaton Town Darlington Leamington Salford City Alfreton Town Spennymoor Town Gainsborough Trinity FC United of Manchester Brackley Town Bradford Park Avenue
-Choose the man of the match - Use your companies name within the announcement - Present the players award post match - Five match tickets - Aforementioned extras
SPONSOR Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available Available
MATCH BALL £90+VAT
-Two match tickets - Inclusive of all the Aforementioned extras.
V Wednesday 26 April 2017. 7:30pm K.O. Attendance: 1968
MATCH REPORT
khphotos.co.uk
The two teams were no strangers to a cup final going into the game, as both sides played in last year’s final, with North Shields being the victors on that occasion. Luke Armstrong opened the scoring for Blyth Spartans in the 22nd minute before scoring his second of the game 20 minutes later, ensuring Blyth had a two goal cushion going into the break. In the second half, a late comeback looked on the cards for North Shields as they reduced the lead with a Dean Holmes finish. However, despite the momentum from The Robins, Blyth Spartans showed their dominance through a Ryan Hutchinson goal. A 90th minute goal for North Shields proved to be nothing but a consolation as Blyth went on to win the final 3-2. The match started with a dominant display from Northern League Division One side Blyth Spartans, and they came close with Daniel Maguire creating many chances for himself in the first 20 minutes. But it was Luke Armstrong who got the first goal; being played through from the centre of the pitch by Sean Reid and slotting a calm finish past North Shields ‘keeper Kyle Hayes. The goal seemed to be the wakeup call North Shields needed as they managed to get their foot on the ball and gain some good possession later in the second half. But disaster struck before half-time, with Luke Armstrong finding the back of the net in a similar fashion to his first goal on 42 minutes. North Shields seemed to be the stronger side in the second period, with two early chances from Ryan Carr, who couldn’t get a good connection on a fast paced cross, and Lee Mason, whose low drive was saved by Blyth ‘keeper Paul Woolston. Stuart Donaldson also threatened on the right wing for North Shields, getting the better of the Blyth full back and producing some excellent deliveries into the box. Some might say Luke Armstrong was unlucky not to get a hat-trick on the day as his shot was blocked on the left hand
53 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
side of the box, before curling inches over the bar at the second attempt. North Shields made their wasted chances pay on the 84th minute through a Dean Holmes thunderbolt strike from 12 yards. However, any chance of a late comeback was quashed by Blyth Spartans’ Ryan Hutchinson, who connected with a low cross from the right wing and swept the ball home first time. Late drama commenced as North Shields managed to grab a consolation goal in the 90th minute through substitute Gareth Bainbridge - a deflected effort which bobbled into the bottom corner. Blyth managed to see out the four added minutes by keeping possession of the ball at the North Shields corner flag, much to the frustration of The Robins’ defence. The final score was 3-2 in favour of Blyth Spartans. The Techflow Group Senior Cup gives Blyth Spartans their second piece of silverware this season, after winning the Northern Premier League and gaining promotion to the National League North.
2017 SE NIO R CUP FINAL
17/18 OPPOSITION PROFILES AFC Telford United Only formed in 2004 after their former team Telford United folded after financial difficulties, AFC Telford United have spent 6 years of their 13 year existance in the sixth tier. In recent years they have bouced between the National League and the National League North, finishing a disappointing 17th place last season. Alfreton Town Derbyshire based Alfreton Town boast experience as well as potential in their ranks for the upcoming season with the likes of ex-Notts County marksman Craig Westcarr up top along with versatile York City youth product Tom Allan who can play in defence or on the wing. This will be Alfreton’s third season back in the National League North following their relegation from the 2014/15 Football Conference on goal difference. Boston United It has been a whole 10 years since ‘The Pilgrims’ were relegated from the football league and haven’t managed to bounce back since. They have missed out in the National League North playoffs twice in three years and will be desperate for promotion on their quest back to the EFL. Brackley Town Brackley are the most southern team in the division and Blyth supporters can expect an eight-anda-half hour round trip on their away fixture this season. Brackley narrowly survived relegation in the 2015/16 season before a 7th place finish this past year along with an FA Trophy quarter-final appearance. They have also done well in the FA Cup in recent years reaching the second round proper in 2013/14 and 2016/17. Bradford Park Avenue Bradford Park Avenue are one of thrity-five teams who have played in all four top tiers of the English football system. Nowadays they play their football in the sixth tier since being promoted from the Northern League Premier Divison in 2012. The past three seasons they have finished comfortably in the bottom half of the table. Chorley The club based in the north-west of England are fairly new to the division having only been promoted from the NPL Premier Division in 2014. However, they have reached the playoff final twice in three seasons and have been beaten by one goal both times; 3-2 to Guiseley in 2015 and 2-1 away at FC Halifax Town last season. The Magpies will be a real candidate for promotion this season. Curzon Ashton Football fans will remember their FA Cup run last season when they played AFC Wimbledon in the second round proper and looked good for a place in the third round until four goals from the The Dons stunned the market-town side. Aside from their cup exploits the club are currently at their highest point they have ever been having been promoted in 2015 and finishing safely in 14th place last term. Darlington Former league team Darlington FC are making their way back up the footballing pyramid after being relegated four divisons to the Northern League Division One in 2012. Since then the club have seen three promotions in five seasons and only missed out on last year’s National League North playoffs after the FA ruled that the club did not meet the requirements to play in the top tier of non-league football. A local team to Blyth, the Spartans will be relishing a rekindling of their NPL Premier Divison rivalry. F.C United of Manchester A well documented team and well known in the Manchester area for being opposed to the Malcolm Glazer takeover of Manchester United in 2005. They have had the likes of Rhordri Giggs (brother of Ryan Giggs) play for them in their 12 year existance along with now-Northern Ireland international Rory Patterson. F.C United are one of the better supported teams in the league and play at the newly built Broadhurst Park which has a capacity of 4,400. The Reds have finished mid-table in both seasons since their promotion in 2015. Gainsborough Trinity ‘The Holy Blues’ are founding members of the National League North, playing in the division since 2004. Gainsborough nearly won promotion to the fifth tier at the end of the 2011/12 season but lost 1-0 to Nuneaton Town in the playoff final. Most recently they just avoided relegation by one point last season despite having the third-worst goal difference in the divison (-33).
55 | BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON 2017/18
Harrogate Town The 2017/18 season will be the first season Harrogate Town operate as a professional club as they look to finally make a push for promotion. They lost out in the 2015 playoff semi-finals to AFC Fylde and only managed a mid-table finish last season. This season they will hope to be powered by top goalscorer and National League ‘team of the year’ forward Simon Ainge. Kidderminster Harriers Kidderminster were big favourites to win the 2016/17 National League North playoffs having finished 6 points off automatic promotion, however they lost in the semi-finals to Chorley over two legs and will be playing their second consecutive season in the sixth tier following their relegation from the National League in 2016. They have lost key player Zaine Francis-Angol this summer but will still be expected to be in the mix for promotion again this season. Leamington A newcomer to the National League North after winning promotion through the Evo-Stick Southern Premier Division Playoffs. They last played in the National League North in 2014/15 but were relegated after 10 wins, 10 draws and 22 losses in the league. This time around they will be looking to stay in the division and establish themselves as a sixth tier club. North Ferriby United Along with York City and Southport, North Ferriby United were relegated from the National League last season in which was an eventful season nonetheless for the village side from Hull. North Ferriby finished bottom of the league despite late efforts of a relegation reprieval. The Villagers have kept Steve Housham on as manager and he will be hoping to steer the club back to stability this year. Nuneaton Town After a five year stay the fifth tier Nuneaton Town were relegated to the National League North at the end of the 2014/15 season. ‘The Boro’ just missed out on a playoff spot in 2015/16, despite an impressive +25 goal difference, then went on to finish 12th last season. This year they are boosted by former Leicester City striker Ashley Chambers who has signed on following a loan spell where he scored 8 goals in 15 games. Salford City Salford City are probably one of the better known clubs in the divison due to their famous owners who go by the name of the Class of ‘92. Big investment recently has seen plans to expand the smallest stadium in the division, Moor Lane, to 5000 capacity. This coupled with their high profile signings of well known non-league players Liam Hogan, Lois Maynard and Danny Livesey has made them second favourites for the title this season after missing out in the playoffs last season. Southport Southport were relegated from the National League last season after finishing second bottom with a -45 goal difference. The club from Merseyside have lost star striker Louis Almond to York City for next season and fans are currently against club chairman James Treadwell, a formula for disaster for ‘The Yellows’. Spennymoor Town Along with Blyth Spartans ‘The Moors’ were promoted from the NPL Premier Division and will play in the sixth tier for the first time in the clubs history. They are the closest team to Blyth this season with a 55 minute drive to ‘The Brewery Field’ on New Years’ Day on the fixture list. Stockport County Stockport were once a Football League side until their releagtion at the end of the 2010/11 season. This probably explains their large supporter base who fill over 3000 of their 10,852 all-seater stadium in Greater Manchester. ‘The Hatters’ finished 8th last season in the National League North but this season they are without star players Lewis Montrose and Danny Lloyd who have signed for clubs higher up this summer. Tamworth Staffordshire-based Tamworth are managed by ex-Wrexham player Andy Morrell. Tamworth have only just failed to reach the National League North playoffs in recent years; finishing 7th in 2015/16 and 9th last season. They will be looking to finally get over the line this season with there being two more playoff places up for grabs. York City After two successive relegations York City find themselves in the National League North for the first time in their history. They are arguarbly one of the biggest clubs in the division and are one of the few professional clubs. Despite relegation last season they managed to win the FA Trophy Final at Wembley in May and will be looking to replicate FC Halifax Town who won the FA Trophy and then went on to win the National League North playoffs last season.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR // DAN SIMMONITE
@dan_simmonite |
First of all I’d like to say thank you for reading through this 60 page special and I hope this gives you a taste to what the match day programme will be like during the 2017/18 season.
/dansimmonitesport |
dansimmonite.com
nalism at Northumbria University. Personally, I am a frustrated supporter of my hometown club York City who will be playing in the same division as Blyth next season. I expect next year to be a challenging one for every team as it is looking like a very competitive division with a mixed bag of sleeping giants like Stockport County along with the likes of Salford City who have had big investment over the past few years.
Some of you may have seen on www.blythspartans. com but my name is Dan Simmonite and I am the new programme editor, taking over from Craig Dobson who has gone on to work for the National Football Museum in Manchester.
With one automatic promotion place and six playoff spots up for grabs I don’t see why Blyth can’t be competitive next year. Darlington managed to finish 5th last season after being promoted from the NPL Premier Division... just make sure Croft Park is up to the FA’s ground grading regulations and we are sorted!
I hope to carry on his great work and I’m absolutely delighted and very grateful to be involved with the most famous non-league team in the country.
It’s going to be an interesting season to watch and I’m itching to get going and work with some fantastic people at this football club. Howay Blyth!
In this year’s programme you can expect a lot of stats and quirky facts which you all hopefully find interesting as well as some more interactive pages to get fans involved with the club as much as possible.
_____________________________________
That being said if you have an idea you would like to include or would like to write something then please get in contact, I’m all about getting people involved! Following my year working on the Non League highlights show with York City FC and BT Sport I see this as the perfect platform to present and develop my skills and I’m ready to give my full efforts to the football club in any capacity I can. My other experience in football media includes my work with Northumberland FA where I am the Match Day Media Officer for the county team and cup finals at the end of the season. I also write for my own blog alongside studying a degree in Jour-
Dan Simmonite Blyth Spartans Programme Editor dansimmonite@outlook.com
QUIZ ANSWERS Crossword: 1. Plumber 2. BirminghamCity 3. NewcastleBenfield 4. 1899 5. NewcastleBlueStar 6. DaleHopson 7. Sunderland 8. CroftPark 9. NorthumberlandSeniorCup 10. JarrettRivers Spot the ball: Answer: B
BLYTH SPARTANS PRE SEASON
Dan Maguire David Atkinson Nathan Buddle Ryan Hutchinson Jordan Laidler Michael Liddle David McTiernan Damen Mullen Sean Reid Jarrett Rivers Jordan Watson Adam Wrightson Robbie Dale Andrew Cartwright Chris Bell Ian Watson Dale Hopson Neal Hooks