Spartans Appoint New Captain

Manager Steve Cuggy has moved quickly to appoint the new captain for Blyth Spartans.

Centre forward Graeme Armstrong will don the armband from the start of the season following Paul Brayson's defection to Harrogate Town.

Manager Cuggy commented "The position of 'Club Captain' is an important role and we haven't taken the decision lightly, but Graeme was the obvious candidate. Everyone was impressed when we got him signed up and it is clear why when you see him in training"

"He is a bright lad and is sensible on and off the pitch. He's also got the respect of everyone in the dressing room, which is vital. Me and Gav were in full agreement about appointing him and we think he'll make an excellent skipper"

The player was a proud man to be selected as the Spartans on-field leader "I'm delighted as it's a massive honour to be made captain. I'm at an age now where I need to be taking on extra responsibility, so I was delighted that the manager asked me."

"We are going to have a relatively young squad next season, so hopefully I'll be able to help out the younger lads and those stepping up from the Northern League. I have only been the captain of a side on a couple of occasions at Harrogate last season, so I'm really looking forward to it"

"Pre-season so far has been excellent and whilst I'm enjoying it, it's been really tough, Gav is certainly working us hard, but you can only get out of it, what you put in and all of the lads want to be flying by the time the first league game comes around"

Congratulations Graeme!