23rd July - post Gateshead

Blyth Spartans Manager Harry Dunn, well into the pre-season, sees this period as one for experimentation and getting players fit.
Certainly not for having players sent off.

However that fate did befall Blyth forward Scott Bell in Saturday’s match at Gateshead, and Dunn wasn’t happy.
“This could mean him being banned for the start of the season,” he said. However he commented, “It was good to have a runout against decent opposition to really test the quality of our trialists. But at the end of the day it’s a good job that the Blyth fans appeared to boycott the match, as we were shocking! “In terms of bringing in new players I like the look of ex-Buckie Thistle midfielder Paul Cato who has a good left foot and I am still pursuing ex Hartlepool striker Andy Appleby. Andy has gone to York City this week but I hope to speak to him again at the end of next week.
“A major boost is the decision of forward Robbie Dale not to sign for Oxford United. Robbie was offered a deal by Oxford boss Jim Smith but has chosen to return to us” Dunn added.

Asked for his aspirations in terms of the Club’s inaugural season in the Nationwide Conference North Dunn suggested that it will be a challenge. “We have to make sure we stay in the new League. We will struggle at times as there are many good sides and several with substantial financial clout. But I think I would be delighted with a mid-table position come next May but that is not to say we won’t be striving for better. “Our excellent, and vocal, supporters must realise that it won’t all be plain sailing. I know it can be frustrating when things go against us but” he added jokingly “even if we lose the toss up our crowd play hell!”

Off the pitch the Spartans, represented by General Manager Ian Evans and colleague Dougie Ramsay, were the special guests of Bebside Middle School at its end of term prize giving.

Accompanying them, to the delight of the pupils, were the three trophies the Club picked up last season.
Awards were made not just for football but also for rugby, swimming, badminton and athletics. Academic success was also recognised.
The event was particularly pleasing for Deputy Headteacher Peter Robinson who the Spartans signed from Sparta Prague in the mid-eighties and distinguished himself in defence over several seasons.
“It was great to meet Peter and the students. Our trophies were really appreciated and we hope to have some new supporters from the school coming along to Croft Park to cheer us on in the Conference North.”

Among the prizewinners were Craig Barnett (Junior Sportsman of the Year), Caitlin Newbury (Junior Sportsgirl of the Year), Conner Martin (Senior Sportsman of the Year), and Brooke Cochrane (Senior Sportsgirl of the Year).