Club Statement - Paddy Atkinson and Tom Wade

Blyth Spartans AFC can tonight confirm that Paddy Atkinson and Tom Wade have been handed permanent roles as Manager and Assistant Manager of the club. It is exactly a month today since the duo took charge of their first Spartans game in Caretaker roles and chairman Tony Platten explained the decision. He said "We are very happy with the changes that Paddy and Tom have brought to the team both on and off the pitch. They have brought in new players who are adding to what we have and there are signs of us going forward. We have great confidence in both of them and look forward to further improvements being made".

Atkinson and Wade worked together at Newcastle Benfield winning the Northern League in 2008/09 whilst Wade brings a wealth of managerial experience having had spells with Gateshead, Newcastle Blue Star and Harrogate Town.

Atkinson was delighted to take the role and commented "I'm glad we have put an end to the questions and speculation for a start. As far as I am concerned it's the same as it was and everybody just has to get on and focus on the next game. That is what is important now. We can put it all to bed now and focus on winning games for Blyth Spartans. I've worked with Tom and he knows what I want, we have to go out now and bring in some players to support what we have. We were both at games last night so we are working hard to bring in the right kind of player for this club."

Wade was brought back to the club to assist Atkinson in his caretaker role and hopes that the permanent deals will give some stability to the the club. He said "It's great to have been offered the role and I think the lads are responding to what we are asking of them but it's still very much a work in progress. It will give us stability and the players need that. After the last couple of years I think we need to settle things down a bit if this club is go forward. On the pitch we are still working on the fitness side of things but we are starting to get through to the lads in terms of getting the ball down."

Atkinson and Wade will take charge of their first game in their permanent roles as Eastwood Town travel to Croft Park this coming Saturday.