Tom talks . . .

He's delighted to be back. Make no mistake about it.

New Blyth assistant manager Tom Wade was very clear how happy he was to return to Croft Park.

"I supported the Spartans as a lad growing up in the town, and this is my club!" he said. "I've been a caretaker manager, assistant manager and coach here and it's an honour to be back with an important role to play."
Wade's last major job in football was at Harrogate Town but, he says, he has had a season out to 'recharge his batteries.'

"I saw the team a couple of times early in the season and I think I can offer guidance and encouragement to improve things. In addition I'm well informed about players and with the, very strong, Northern League now settling down there will be players available. In fact I've been talking with several players already since I got the job at Blyth."

Wade explained his new role in a little more detail: "Paddy is still keen to take the coaching and I might focus on bringing players in but, having said that we know each other well as we have worked together before, using each other well as sounding boards, so the roles may well be shared. But I'll certainly be watching a lot of matches around the place aiming the bring in the best youngsters and a few experienced players as well.

"I've learned by my mistakes in the past and developed a lot since my last period at Blyth."

A more detailed interview with the new assistant boss will follow.