Spartans Loan Robert Briggs

Blyth Spartans can announce the signing of central midfield player Robert Briggs from Gateshead on a month's loan.

The 19-year-old is the captain of their reserve team and was a key member of the side that won the Durham County Cup last season. He was an unused substitute for Gateshead in Saturday's FA Cup game against Blyth.

Part of the deal will see Gateshead allow Briggs to play for Blyth in the FA Trophy.

Manager Steve Cuggy commented "I'm pleased to get Robert in for the initial month, into what is an area of the pitch that we struggling in a bit. We had initially got in contact with Gateshead prior to the Cup match, but it was felt best to get that game out of the way before we pushed the deal through."

"I've known about Rob for a while and have taken in a few of his games this season, with Gateshead reserves, and he has come on really well both physically and technically and is clearly benefitting from the full time training that he has been given at Gateshead.

"I have spoken to several people who know him, including Paul Bryson (the Gateshead reserve team manager) and some of his previous managers and they have confirmed what we knew, in that he has the kind of character that we want at the club."

Welcome to the club Rob.