Arrival | JJ O'Donnell joins on permanent deal

Blyth Spartans AFC is thrilled to announce JJ O'Donnell has joined the club on a permanent basis.

The 29-year-old moved to Croft Park on a season-long loan deal last term, which was then cut short after the National League North campaign was made null and void in February.

He featured four times and scored one goal after making the temporary switch from Gateshead, where he established himself a real cult hero in his seven years there.

And following his release from the Heed, the former Luton Town man jumped at the opportunity to join Blyth, who welcomed back the likes of Dan Maguire, Nathan Buddle and Michael Liddle on Thursday.

O'Donnell said: "I'm delighted to be here. I had a taste of it last season when arriving in on loan.

"It's a club I enjoyed being a part of during the short time I was here.

"It'll be great to play in front of supporters at Croft Park and hopefully give them a team to be proud of."

Michael Nelson, manager of Blyth Spartans, said: "JJ, like some of the other recent signings, also has a connection with the club after spending time on loan here last season.

"He has a fantastic attitude and his enthusiasm is infectious. He was a big help to some of the younger players last season and I can see him providing that same help to our younger players this season.

"His energy and quality on the pitch will be crucial for us this season with the way we want to play.

"We are delighted to be able to bring him in."

You can watch JJ's first interview as a permanent Blyth Spartans player via BSAFCTV.