Four more to stay

Four more of last season's Blyth Spartans squad have agreed to stay with the club. Left back Ian Watson(pictured) and midfielders Damen Mullen, Ryan Cummings and Ryan Hutchinson have all committed to the club for the 2014/15 season.

Watson joined the club from Whitley Bay in the early stages of last season and settled quickly. He scored his first goal for the club in the 6-2 hammering of Stafford Rangers and has made the left back position his own.

The defender revealed he can't wait to get back for pre-season. "I am really pleased to have agreed to stay and can concentrate on getting in a good pre season. Blyth Spartans is a great club to be at right now and we're only going to get stronger on and off the pitch. Hopefully we can have another good season and bring some even better days to Croft Park"

Mullen, who is in his second spell with Spartans, has been a valuable player for Tom Wade's side. His versatility has enabled Wade to utilise him in a number of positions. Mullen made thirty seven appearances for Spartans last season, scoring three goals including the penalty against Ashington that sent his side through to Northumberland Senior Cup Final.

Eighteen year old midfielder Cummings was brought in from Bishop Auckland last summer and has made promising progress in his maiden season with the club. Debuting in the season opener at Marine in an unfamiliar right back position Cummings scored his first goal for the club with a neat finish against Droylsden at Croft Park in November. He will be looking to push his fellow midfielders for a regular spot this season.

Hutchinson - who has spent time in Celtic and St Johnstone's academies - was brought in alongside a number of players towards the end of last season to help provide cover during the fixture backlog. Debuting from the bench in the 1-1 draw at Matlock Town, the former Seaton Delaval man did enough in his fleeting appearances to suggest he was worth another look and will want to impress Wade and assistant Colin Myers during pre-season.