Club Statement

Blyth Spartans can announce that Tom Wade has accepted the role of Team Manager for next season. The former Gateshead and Harrogate manager took over the role until the end of the season following Paddy Atkinson's departure last month and has now been confirmed as Spartans manager on a permanent basis.

Wade will be joined on the Spartans coaching team by current Coach John Cornforth and Goalkeeper Coach Carl King as they look to improve on the club's performance this season both in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and in the cup competitions.

Spartans Chairman Tony Platten said "We have put this management team in place to allow Tom, John and Carl the chance to get a start on preparing for next season. We need a structured pre-season and a settled squad in early and that's something that we didn't have this year. This move will allow them the time to get things exactly how they want them going into next season and we all hope that will improve on the current league position and performance in the cups because that's what the supporters want and that's what everyone at Blyth Spartans wants."

Wade himself added "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to turn this club around next season. It's a big task and we have had two poor seasons we know that but we need to bring in players of quality and to improve what we have. We can now build and prepare for pre-season to let the players know where they stand and get a good pre-season schedule together so we can look to give this club and the supporters a team to be proud of next season."

Cornforth joined the club two weeks ago and the twice capped former Wales international revealed he is happy to see the move happen and feels it will benefit everyone. He said "This move is what the club needs, we need stability and that will help us improve. We have to get this season finished off well and start again doing things the right way. There is a fantastic setup and people who are passionate about the club and hopefully we can do the right thing for the supporters."

Keeper coach Carl King returned to the club after a four month absence in February and revealed his pride at being at Spartans. He said "I'm proud to be at this club because it's a massive one to be at. The move today is a brilliant one with Tom and John in place for next season. They both have experience at a higher level of football and contacts to allow us to improve and look to achieve a play off position at least."