Tait ‘Hooks’ New Man

With Mark Doninger heading over the Irish Sea to play for Sligo Rovers and Chris McCabe facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Blyth Spartans' manager Mick Tait has moved quickly to sign a replacement in the form of midfield man Neal Hooks from Ilkeston Town (pictured below challenging Blyth Spartans Captain Gareth Williams).

The tall midfielder, 22, is a local lad who has been playing for Ilkeston Town this season, following his return to the UK from Australia, where he played for Sunshine George Cross, a Victoria Premier League side based in Melbourne. He featured in the two Ilkeston Town fixtures against Blyth this season.

As a youngster Hooks was on the books of Ross County, featuring in their first team on six occasions, scoring one goal. He has local experience playing for the now defunct Newcastle Blue Star.

He will go straight into the squad to face Corby Town.

Welcome aboard Neal!