Competition is King for Carl

After returning to the club last month Spartans goalkeeper coach Carl King has expressed his satisfaction at the strength in depth available to new manager Tom Wade when it comes to the goalkeeping department. Conor Grant has played the majority of games this season with former Bedlington Terriers stopper Craig Pickering deputising during Grant's recent spell out through injury and new addition Mark Cook now comes into the fold after he recieved international clearance. It would seem that Wade has an abundance of riches when it comes to picking a number one but King thinks that can only be a positive for the Spartans boss.

He said "Conor has been excellent and has improved throughout the season and he has only been doing half training sessions to cope with his injury but he has shown great determination. Then there is Craig Pickering has done well given that he has taken a big step up. Now with Mark Cook available there is plenty of competition for that spot and hopefully that can only inspire all three of our keepers to improve. I'm sure it's a nice problem for Tom to have and I'm looking forward to working with them all more".

After leaving the club in October King returned to take up his post looking after the Spartans stoppers in mid February and is delighted to be back at a club that he openly admits he is proud to be at. He revealed "It's certainly great to be back. Blyth Spartans is a massive club and I'm proud to be part of it, there are some great people here and I missed it being away."

In his four months away much has changed with Spartans with new players joining and within weeks of his return a new manager appointed in Wade but King feels that there are plenty of positives for everyone connected with Spartans to look forward to as the club looks to move on.

He said "The dressing room is full of characters and there is a great atmosphere in there, we have many leaders and one thing I have noticed recently is that a few of the younger lads are coming out of their shells. Hopefully with Tom in charge his experience and knowhow will allow us to put a decent run together, start climbing the table and get some momentum together for next season."