Michael Woods is a Spartan

Blyth Spartans are pleased to announce the signing of Michael Woods following the expiration of his contract at South Shields.

He spent the last two seasons at Mariners Park after helping York City achieve promotion from the National League North to the National League in 2022.

The 34-year-old midfielder graduated from the Chelsea academy and made his 1st team debut for the Blues in 2007 during the FA Cup Third Round against Macclesfield Town.

He then moved on to have prominent stints at Harrogate Town, Hartlepool United, Dover Athletic, York City and most recently South Shields.

Woods has been capped for the England National Team at under-16, under-17 and under-19 level and featured in the Spartans' famous 2014 Emirates FA Cup run, as he started for Hartlepool United in the second round in a 2-1 victory for Blyth Spartans.

Following the signing of Woods, manager, Nobby Solano said: "All the time we are very excited to get players as soon as possible, you know with the season even starting in August it's better for everybody to know who wants to be in the club because our plan is to start to start pre-season in a couple of weeks, so quicker we have many players together, that will be great.

"And of course, he has experience in this level, he played for South Shields, he's a good player and I'm looking forward and quite excited for the season to start soon as possible, because it's a lovely stadium and I know how much passion there is here in football.

"I've been a few times in this stadium, so I'm looking forward to bringing back the club. I hope so we come fighting every weekend to make everybody happy here, especially when we play at home.

"And the more important, the target to come back again to the top division."

Speaking on his arrival, Woods said: "I can't wait to get going. I've spoken to a lot of people within football, I've been in the North-East a long time now and it's a proper football club.

"The plans and ambition of the people at the club is why I'm here and I promise I'll give 100 per cent for as long as I'm here and I hope we can win a lot of games."

Welcome to Blyth, Michael!