Spartans appoint Jon Shaw as Assistant Manager

Blyth Spartans is delighted to confirm the appointment of Jon Shaw as assistant manager.

A product of Sheffield Wednesday's youth system, the 39-year-old former striker has featured for the likes of his boyhood club, Burton Albion, Halifax Town and Gateshead, among others, scoring 65 professional goals whilst assisting 11 times.

Shaw featured alongside JJ O'Donnell at Luton Town too, during his two-year spell with the Hatters.

He also spent seven years at Vanarama National League North newcomers South Shields, six of which he played under Spartans manager Graham Fenton who appointed him as his captain and assistant manager.

Graham Fenton said: "We worked together for years at South Shields, and we have a really good relationship; I look forward to working with Jon again.

"He's going to be available to play too, but it's been made clear that he will be heavily supporting our centre backs and if we need him at the end of games to go a little bit more defensive, or if we pick up any injuries he will be ready as he looks after himself very well and he's in the correct head space."

Following his highly successful period with the Mariners where he made 211 appearances, scoring 27 goals and winning five honours, Shaw joined Dunston UTS last summer and featured 18 times in all competitions as he desired to continue his playing career.

Speaking to BSAFCTV on his arrival at the Club, Shaw said: "Me and Graham have very similar thoughts on how we believe the game should be played, also the efforts, standards and behaviours of the lads so as soon as he asked me the question (to join him as his assistant manager at Blyth) I don't think I was ever going to turn him down.

"Graham's got high standards, and I'll try and help him as best as possible to implement those within the team."

Shaw then added: "Blyth itself, it's a Club I obviously know a lot about, being up here in the North East for over 10 years now, playing for Gateshead and being around the area, so the two together has presented a fantastic opportunity for myself."

Welcome to Blyth Spartans, Jon!