Chairman Kept Informed As Cuggy Reels In Signings

As Blyth Spartans manager, Steve Cuggy reeled in the signings last week, chairman, Tony Platten was among a group of nine anglers from Blyth and one from Bury, who enjoyed two excellent days of boat fishing off Hampshire.

On the first day, Platten landed the heaviest fish of the entire trip with a cod of 24lb along with an excellent double figure pollock (pictured).

But despite being over 300 miles away in the middle of the English Channel, Platten was kept informed of developments back home as the revolving door at Croft Park was spinning as quickly as his fishing reel.

Platten was in regular contact with the Blyth Spartans manager throughout the trip and since the arrival of Cuggy and his assistant Gavin Fell two weeks ago, six players have signed for the club with four going the other way.

Platten said: "The whole Executive Committee have been impressed with the speed at which Steve and Gavin have used their extensive contact network to bring new faces to the club.

"The key focus is to build a team with the right fitness and work ethic that will allow the club to move forward." He added.

The chairman also stated why he has not been surprised at the changes to the Spartans squad, saying: "There was an obvious need to make changes to a team that could not perform consistently week in week out."

And he has told fans to expect more signings in the coming weeks: "There are still a number of positions that need filling so inevitably there will be more new faces."

"The onus will be on having a squad where all members, including substitutes, contribute to the team's performance."

He added: "Equally the new management team will be monitoring individual performances and if changes are required they will be made."