Rivers pays tribute to Spartans after comeback

On his first return to the club since completing a move to SkyBet League One side Blackpool, former Blyth Spartans winger Jarrett Rivers paid tribute to the Croft Park club.

Rivers, one of Spartans FA Cup heroes from last season, marked the return by captaining the Tangerines to a 2-0 win over his former club.

He was substituted on the hour mark and was given quite an ovation as he walked off the Croft Park pitch.

That gesture had Rivers "buzzing" as he reflected on some good times with Spartans.

"Last year was unbelievable here and the club, everyone at the club for that matter, were great with me. We had some great times and to come back and see everyone was fantastic. The reception I got taken off had me buzzing, it meant a lot"

The former Middlesbrough academy product has settled well in Blackpool. Three weeks since there return to pre-season training he returned to Spartans looking every inch the Football League player.

And he put that down to his new team mates who have made it "easy" to settle in on the North West coast.

"I have settled in really well and the lads have been great with me. We have a young squad and the majority of the lads are my age so it was easy to get settled in there. Now it's just a case of getting out on the pitch and performing"

A tough looking trip to Colchester awaits Rivers and Blackpool on the opening day of the Football League season and the winger is determined to prove that he can perform at a higher.

"I can't wait for the first league game and a chance to test myself in the Football League. I know it won't be easy but I'll give it my best shot and prove I can do it"

And when he does show that there will be many proud faces around Croft Park.