News | Matty Dopson signs Spartans contract

Blyth Spartans are delighted to announce that England Schoolboy international Matty Dopson has signed a contract for next season.

Dopson enjoyed a breakout campaign last season as he captained Spartans' under-18s to the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup, before earning an international call up England Schoolboys for the Centenary Shield - where he was an ever present.

The club enjoys a successful relationship with Tyne Met College, which sees students represent Spartans at under-18 or under-19 level while undertaking a vocational course at the college. With Dopson the latest to make the transition to the first-team at Blyth.

Speaking about his contract, Dopson said, "I'm over the moon to have signed for such a great club with talented teammates. Last season was a great success with the FA Youth Cup run and getting the chance to represent my country with England Schoolboys.

Next season I'm hoping to get the best out of myself and work hard to help the team as much as possible, especially for our great supporters. The Tyne Met programme has been brilliant in helping me get to where I am, I've had some great experiences and the opportunity to captain the team to winning the league."

Terry Mitchell, who involved Dopson with he first-team squad last season, was thrilled to see him agree a contract with the club. "He's a quality young player, he impressed for England Schoolboys earlier in the year and played all their games in the Centenary Shield, which shows where he's at.

Matty will be a really good prospect for us, he'll be in amongst the first-team and we'll see where he's at. If we think he's ready, we'll play him."

Speaking about the partnership with Tyne Met, Mitchell added, "The link is a great pathway for players to get into our first-team. Hopefully he'll be an inspiration for others in the under 18s and 19s, and hopefully we can get one or two every season."