Arrival | Simon Heslop signs for Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans AFC is thrilled to announce the arrival of former York City captain and FA Trophy winner Simon Heslop.

The 33-year-old arrives at Croft Park with a vast amount of experience, having made over 150 appearances in the Football League.

Heslop progressed through the youth ranks at Barnsley but spent the majority of time learning his trade away from Oakwell.

Following seven different loan spells - including Halifax, Grimsby and Luton - the midfielder joined League Two side Oxford United permanently in 2010.

During his three years at the Kassam Stadium, Heslop appeared 102 times and scored nine goals before stepping up to League One with Stevenage.

One season spells at Mansfield Town, Torquay United and Wrexham then followed as Heslop opted to join hometown club York City in 2016.

And within weeks of moving to Bootham Crescent, Heslop was handed the captain's armband, where he'd go on to lift the first trophy of his career.

Indeed, Heslop picked up the FA Trophy in 2017 after the Minstermen beat Macclesfield Town 3-2 at Wembley Stadium.

Cruelly for Heslop, a knee injury in February 2019 ruled him out for almost a year, coupled with his release from York a few months later.

He battled his way back to fitness to make his comeback with Boston United in the second half of last season.

He made four appearances before the coronavirus outbreak cut his spell in Lincolnshire short.

But having trained with Boston during their play-off campaign, Heslop has maintained his fitness and is raring to go under Michael Nelson.

To watch Simon's first interview as a Blyth Spartans player, please click HERE.

And to hear Nelson's reaction to bringing Heslop to Croft Park, please click HERE.