Interview | Nelson lauds 'phenomenal' Future Fund donations

Photo credit: Emilo Andres Leal Kirtley

Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson "can't thank fans enough" for their "phenomenal" donations to the club's Future Fund.

Spartans and The Supporters Club launched a fundraising campaign last month to help ensure the survival of the club and assist Nelson in his efforts to build his squad for the upcoming season.

In the four weeks it was open, a magnificent total of £10,750 was raised - and Nelson admits the donations "surpassed our expectations".

The former Hartlepool United defender told blythspartans.com: "It has been a fantastic effort from the first day we set it up.

"We knew the supporters of Blyth would help as much as they could but I think the amount raised has surpassed our expectations.

"During these hard times, when a lot of people are struggling, it is phenomenal. We can't thank everyone who donated enough."

Since his appointment in such unprecedented circumstances, Nelson has recruited new faces such as Callum Guy, Kieran Charlton, Matthew Elsdon and Panos Katsamagkas.

And Nelson has revealed what type of players fans can expect him to bring to Croft Park.

Nelson added: "They have to have the ability but they have also got to have the right attitude.

"Going back to Panos - the attitude he has shown by travelling up from Leeds. Even his brother has changed shifts at work to get him up to training sessions - he has been fully committed right from the very first time he joined us.

"That's the attitude we want. We don't want to go out and sign players who are coming in because we're offering a good contract, we want people to come in, impress, improve and take themselves and the club to another level.

"Panos fits that bill and hopefully, there will be more over the next few weeks that we can bring in as well who are along those lines."

With the government giving the go ahead for pre-season friendlies to take place in August, the 2020-21 National League North season might not be too far away.

However, Nelson says there is no mad rush at present - but insists he will not hesitate to make his move if the right player quickly becomes available.

"Play-offs are going on at the minute, so there are players who are waiting to see what happens with that," Nelson said. "There are players involved in the play-offs who might not have a future at that club.

"I still think there will be a big turnover of players getting released and becoming available over the next few weeks but if the right player becomes available tomorrow then we'll try our hardest to try and get a deal over the line.

"We're keeping our finger on the pulse, waiting to see who becomes available. It could be a day, a week or longer than that, we just have to play the waiting game."