Spartans swoop for Moore and Hawkins

After a week that has seen existing members of the squad committing to the club, Blyth Spartans have made their first new additions of the summer.

Former Whitley Bay and Darlington winger Chris Moore has joined the club along with Bishop Auckland striker Dan Hawkins and after signing both players explained that it was second time lucky for Spartans when it came to securing their signatures.

Moore - who was an FA Trophy winner with Darlington and FA Vase winner with Whitley Bay - had spells with Durham City and Team Northumbria last season after leaving Darlington and he revealed he nearly joined Tom Wade's side just after Christmas after his departure from the Quakers.

He said "I want to come to Spartans in January when I left Darlington but it wasn't to be. However it's great that the move has now materialised and I'm happy to be here. We have a good young side and obviously I know some of them from my former clubs so hopefully I can help the club push on from a positive season last time out"

Hawkins spent time with Middlesbrough's academy before moving to Northern League side Shildon. He then joined Bishop Auckland in October 2010 and made an instant impact at Heritage Park, scoring on his debut against Newcastle Benfield and scored their first goal, brace and hat-trick at their new home.

That move to Bishops saw him link up with Spartans assistant manager Colin Myers and it was Myers who made an initial attempt to bring the forward to Croft Park last season.

"Colin wanted me here last year but the timing just wasn't right for me. However I am now ready for the challenge of stepping up to a higher league and proving myself in this division and I think I am ready to better myself at the club"

Full interviews with Chris and Dan will be available on Spartans official YouTube channel BSAFCTV as the players return for pre-season training.