Spartans Sign Craig Farrell

Blyth Spartans can announce their first signing of the summer, in the shape of experienced front man Craig Farrell.

The 29-year-old spent the latter part of last season at Blue Square Bet North side Hinckley United and has only recently relocated back to his native North East.

The forward started his career at Middlesbrough and went on to enjoy stints in League football at Leeds United and Carlisle United. He then moved into the non league scene and this has seen him play for Exeter City, York City, Oxford United (loan), Rushden and Diamonds and AFC Telford before moving to Hinckley United in February 2012, where he scored 5 goals in the final 12 games of the season, as Hinckley battled against relegation (Farrell appearing as a second half substitute in the 3-1 win for the Spartans at the end of last season).

With Manager Tommy Cassidy currently enjoying a brief holiday in Spain, it was left to newly installed Assistant Manager Paddy Atkinson to conclude the formalities of the deal. Speaking of the signing Atkinson commented "We pleased to get Craig on board, he comes with excellent pedigree and a good level of experience. He has had a good goal scoring record throughout his career, particularly at York and Carlisle, but he has more to his game than just goal scoring, as he is good as a target man and also as a hold up player."

"Hopefully, he will prove to be a successful signing for the club."

The player himself was also pleased to have secured a move to Croft Park stating ""I'm delighted to be joining the club, I'm moving back to the north east permanently in a couple of weeks so it'll be good to sign for a excellent club in the region."

"I know Carl Jones and I spoke to him about the Spartans, he tells me it's a great set up. I know Tommy Cassidy quite well and have spoken to him and Paddy Atkinson at length and I am delighted to have joined, the club looks like its well run and the facilities are excellent."

"I was surprised that Blyth struggled so badly last season, on the basis of what I saw in the game at the end of the season, as Blyth played Hinckley off the park, especially in the first half and looked a really good side. Hopefully we can keep that form up and bounce straight back next season."

Welcome to the club Craig!