New additions have to be right for Spartans - Wade

As his side prepares for their opening pre-season fixture against North Shields on Saturday, Spartans manager Tom Wade revealed that there is plenty of hard work going on to bring in new players ahead of the new campaign. However Wade was keen to stress that any potential new recruitments would have to show that they desperate to play for Spartans.

A number of trialists took part in the opening two training sessions on pre-season and Wade hopes to add more quality to his squad, with an emphasis on experienced players.

"We are looking for a couple more experienced players but they have got to come in on budget and show us that they desperately want to be at the club. We are always looking at players but are hoping to have all of our signings done by our final pre-season friendly at Croft Park against Darlington"

There is a busy per-season ahead for Wade and his players but this will give the coaching staff plenty of time to assess the trialists and see just where the side needs strengthened. However the former Harrogate and Gateshead manager revealed that he is happy with the progress made in the transfer market so far.

"We have twelve players retained from last season at the moment and a number of top quality under 21 players who are desperate to succeed in the game and who want to achieve that at Blyth Spartans. Over pre-season both in matches and training we will have a look at all the players then see where we need to improve. It's all about being fully prepared and organised for day one of the League campaign in August."

So far Spartans have brought in a number of younger players with North Shields duo Rob Nolan and Dean Holmes, Washington midfielder Matthew Wade and Bishop Auckland midfielder Ryan Cummings arriving at Croft Park. According to Wade if those players want to see what they can achieve at the club then they should look no further than a current member of the Spartans squad.

"We have brought in some hungry young local players who are in the Dan Maguire mould. They will be developed this season and what they achieve is down to themselves as well. You have to look at Maguire's attitude and hard work last season. He came in and made a real impact at the club and these new lads can do the same. I'm delighted to have them here"

With a number of last season's squad retained Wade expressed his delight at the "great buzz" around the club and the "great attitude" of the players at training sessions, something he believes will hold the club in good stead as they prepare for the new season.

"The attitude of all the players both old and new is great. They are here for the right reasons they are all desperate to play for this club, which is a real plus for everyone . There is a great buzz at the club and we are going into pre-season looking positive and organised which will give us a head start"

Spartans start their pre-season campaign with a trip to North Shields on Saturday before welcoming Whitley Bay to Croft Park on Saturday 13th July.