Blyth Spartans receive special recognition from the North East Football Writers’ Association

Blyth Spartans were among the North East Non-League clubs who were received special recognition from the North East Football Writers' Association for their achievements in the 2016-17 campaign.

The annual awards ceremony - which was hosted was Ramside Hall, Durham - took place on Sunday night, with three clubs given special commemorated.

Alongside South Shields and Spennymoor Town, Spartans were in the spotlight having lifted the Evo-Stik North title on their first return to the National League North since 2012.

Further acknowledgment was given for their Northumberland Senior Cup success after the 3-2 win over North Shields at St James' Park in May secured a cup-double.

Not only have Spartans established themselves in the second tier of the Non-League pyramid, manager Alun Armstrong has led the club into an unexpected play-off push - sitting in fourth place with 10 games remaining.

Blyth chairman Tony Platten was representing the club at the event, and spoke very highly of Armstrong.

"Had I been offered fourth in the league running into the beginning of March, I would have snapped somebodies hand off for that," Platten told former Spartans Press Officer, Mark Carruthers.

"Alun's done a fantastic job - managing the team since he took over the reigns last season - and to be outperforming the way we are, knocking in goals again for fun - really good!

"We're winning at York, we're winning at Stockport, these are big league clubs in the past, it shows a tremendous change that Alun's brought to the team in terms of discipline, in terms of effort and the way we play.

"Just about everywhere we go, we're complimented on the style of football we play. That's a testament to the club that Alun has got them playing in a real, good open manner."