New media team member

Blyth Spartans have added to their award-winning media team as recent Sunderland University graduate Michael Bowers joins the ranks.

The former Sports Journalism student attended the Blackpool friendly and will help in all areas of the club's media output, from contributing to the website and programme to helping out with BSAFCTV, Spartans' YouTube channel.

With Jonny Hall recently leaving the club, Michael, from South Shields, arrives to assist the other members with their work.

He said: "I wanted to join Blyth Spartans because my dream job is to work for a football club and this provides me the opportunity to do so.

"When I saw the position was vacant it was a no-brainer for me. I was really impressed by the level of effort that goes into things. Everybody seems like great people to work with, too."

Michael was introduced to the rest of the team by media manager Phil Castiaux, who said: "We are delighted to welcome Michael to our media team here at Blyth Spartans. We have been very impressed with his attitude and we all look forward to working with him.

"It also shows that once again Sunderland University have helped us find someone who will help us produce quality media output throughout the season."

Matt Riggs and Luke Bidwell, who are both part of Blyth's media team, are both current Sunderland University Sports Journalism students and previous members have also arrived via the same route.

Michael graduated this summer with a 2:1 degree, and has had some previous experience in similar areas and roles.

He said: "I did a placement at Sunderland AFC in January, which gave me some insight into the type of content that goes on websites and the like. I do have some experience in working in Sports Journalism but I feel like this will be a very good experience.

"I'd like to thank Blyth for showing interest in me and I can't wait to get started. Let's hope for a really good season (and a trip to Wembley!)."

With the recent announcement that the club has been donated some high-quality filming equipment, the media team will look to further improve the quality and diversity of content that is available on BSAFCTV.

The matchday programme and club website are also two areas in which the media team work towards to provide the very best coverage of all things Spartans.