Midfielder learns from mistake

Neal Hooks has avoided making another "Mistake" this year - after choosing to remain at Spartans for a fifth season.

The 2010/11 Players' Player of the Year racked up over 100 appearances in three seasons at Blyth, before leaving for Spennymoor Town 12 months ago.

However, he returned to Spartans last September and now looks set to break through the 150 appearances barrier next season - after re-registering for the club at Croft Park this evening.

And the 25-year-old believes his departure for Spennymoor last year has made him value the club a lot more since returning.

Hooks said: "I'm very happy to be back at Blyth. I never thought of leaving this time round.

"I made a mistake in leaving last year. I left for certain reasons, but I'm glad I'm able to re-sign again."

The central midfielder has also tipped Blyth to have a good season in 2013/14, thanks to the squad manager Tom Wade is putting together.

He said: "I'd like to think we could push for promotion. We've made a couple of good additions and the majority of the lads have stayed on, so we've remained quite strong.

"I'm sure Tom's got ideas of bringing other people in as well. So, hopefully, we can keep going and improve on last season."

Wade was also down at the ground to oversee the signing and the Spartans gaffer is more than happy to have "Hooksy" back on board.

He said: "It's a big signing for us. He's a top player, he played well last year and he's experienced.

"We've got a lot of young lads coming in and he will help them to progress, with the experience and quality that he has picked up from playing at the higher levels of Non-League football.

"Neal brings a lot to the midfield and did well in a side that was very up and down for most of the year. He was one of the only few constantly good players last season.

"He's also really looking forward to this season as well. I think he has the fire in his belly and he wants to be at Blyth, so it's another great signing for us."