Ayres sees wait come to an end

Gareth Ayres has become the latest player to sign for Blyth - after impressing during the club's pre-season schedule.

The 22-year-old has been on trial at the club since the start of pre-season and has finally put pen to paper with the new season just days away.

And Ayres is happy to finally be officially registered for Spartans - after enjoying his time at Croft Park so far.

He said: I'm really, really happy to be joining Blyth. I've been here since the start of pre-season and I was hoping to have signed before the start of the season, but I'm glad it's all finally been sorted.

"I really enjoyed pre-season, but found it challenging at the same time. I've always thought I was pretty fit, but Colin's really put me through my paces and I'm raring to go for the season now."

And the former Bishop Auckland defender is glad to be linking back up with Myers, despite originally not being aware of his former manager joining the club.

Ayres said: "Believe it or not, I didn't know Colin was going to be here this season. I got a text from Tom just asking what I'd be doing this year - as I've not been able to play properly for a year and a half because of work - but then I found out Colin was joining and that put me more at ease about turning up at the club.

"I've worked with Colin in the past - and there are obviously lads I've played with in the past that have signed - so it's a home away from home for me."

Despite the prolonged break from football, the left-back is still aiming to mark his mark on the club this year.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to this season. I've got back into the routine of training twice a week and doing things at home as well, but we'll soon see if I can get back to that match fitness when the season starts.

"I know there's about seven defenders signed on, so the first aim is to get established in the first 11 and then keep that shirt for the season."

With regards to the wait for Ayres to sign, manager Tom Wade said: "It's just been one of those things. He's been in and out with injury, unfortunately, but he was always going to sign."

"Gareth's a very good player. He's very pacey, electric fast and I'd probably put him in as one of the quickest players in the squad.

"I had him as a junior and he's progressed into a very good left-back. I think Spennymoor and West Auckland were after him as well, so I'm glad to have him.

"Ayres is a great asset to the club. Even though it's going to be hard to take that spot off Joe (Kendrick,) he's there to put pressure on Joe and I fully expect he will."