Robbie Returns!

Blyth Spartans are delighted to announce that talismanic crowd favourite Robert Dale has returned to the club, on loan, from Whitley Bay for an initial 28 day spell (subject to final confirmation).

The 27-year-old had been at the club for seven seasons, scoring 96 goals in 291 appearances following his arrival from Northern Alliance side Ryton in March 2004. He was, surprisingly, released in the summer by then manager Steve Cuggy and joined up with former Spartans striker Ian Chandler - now manager at Hillheads.

Since then Rob has been a regular attendee of games at Croft Park - attending all of the home games where the fixtures have not clashed with those of Whitley Bay - He was also present at the majority of the pre-season training sessions and knowing some of the current squad from his previous spell with the club, it is hoped that it shouldn't take him too long to settle back into the squad.

Rob will therefore be available for selection for Saturday's game at home to Eastwood Town (kick off 3pm)

Dale commented "I'm really pleased to be back at Croft Park and whilst I appreciate that the league position is precarious I will do everything that I can to try and help the club out.

"I was at the Histon match tonight and was impressed with the performance that the lads gave and the commitment levels shown. I cannot wait to get in the green and white shirt and back into the action."

Manager Tommy Cassidy commented "I'm pleased we've managed to get Robbie in, I don't know a great deal about him, other than what I saw when I was manager of Workington, in the games that he faced us, but I know the affection in which he is held by the Blyth fans.

"The deal is initially for a month and we'll see how it goes, Phil Bannister picked up a bit of knock tonight and I don't want to be left short of options, particularly with crucial games coming up and I hope that Robbie can give us an extra lift and impetus"

"The atmosphere at the Histon game was fantastic and the lads are going to need all the support that they can get for the rest of the season. The couple of wins in the last two games and Robbie's return should see another excellent atmosphere on Saturday"

Welcome home Robbie!