New signing - Gavin Caines

The club is delighted to announce the signing of central defender Gavin Caines.

The 6' 1" 32-year-old was with Rushall Olympic last season. Birmingham-born Gavin was a full time professional for nine years turning out for the likes of Cheltenham Town, Kidderminster and Forest Green Rovers and he has played in some high profile games and in front of substantial crowds.

Gavin said: "I played 143 games for Cheltenham and gained promotion with them to League1. I also played for them against Newcastle United in the 5th round of the FA Cup and against Sunderland in the Carling Cup at the Stadium of Light. There were some big name sides in League 1 including Nottingham Forest, Leeds and Leicester so games there would attract good 30,000 gates."

Gavin has moved to the north-east to live with his girlfriend.

"We've been going out for three years so it made sense to stop the commuting to Birmingham from Newcastle and vice-versa so we've got a place in Shiremoor. I really like the area and am enjoying it," he said.

Gavin, who says his strengths include a good positional sense, the ability to read the game well and knowing when to play the ball on the ground, has turned out against the Spartans several times.

He commented: "I think I've played at Croft Park three times. There's always a great atmosphere there with plenty of home fans who get behind their team. It's nice ground and with the history of the club and the way the team plays Blyth seemed the place I'd like to be. I was talking to a friend after I'd moved up and he knew Tom [Wade]. Tom showed me around and sold the club to me and to be honest I can't wait to get started. It's a new adventure and I'm so excited!"

Asked which Blyth players particularly impressed him in the games between Rushall and Blyth last season Gavin picked out three.

"The lad up front was very good. Maguire? Plus, of course, Robbie Dale who is a top top player in the Evo-Stik League. And there was a lad who sometimes played and sometimes came on from the bench; Michael Richardson? I like the way he does his stuff. But really the Blyth team always showed excellent know-how and all round strength. I think I can add some experience to the mix.

"This year I'm aiming for us to go one better than last season, and gain promotion."

Other than signing an experienced centre-back Blyth fans have another reason to welcome Gavin. He won't now be able to score last minute penalties against the Spartans; something he has done twice!