Media Team | West Ham poach Blyth rising star

Matt Riggs the club's Senior Press Officer, SpartansTV Producer, Radio Northumberland co - commentator and Matchday Magazine Editor is leaving for pastures new.

Matt, who is finishing his journalism degree at Sunderland University this year, has been offered a full time media job with Premier League club West Ham United.

Last Saturday afternoon was Matt's final day at Croft Park.

The Spartans' Media Manager Phil Castiaux commented: "It's a fantastic opportunity for Matt and we're all really pleased for him; although we'll miss his expertise, enthusiasm, dedication and good humour.

"Since joining Blyth two years ago Matt has consistently produced quality work on the media side. This Matchday Magazine has achieved new heights with him as Editor. His devotion to developing it has meant him spending a good eight hours on every edition! Plus those of you who have seen his work on SpartansTV and in terms of the massive task of pulling together the FA Cup run dvd will agree that he has done a terrific job on all fronts. And all on an entirely voluntary basis.

"If he turns up presenting Match of the Day in a few years time we'll be activating our 'sell-on' clause!"

Matt said: "I've loved every minute of my time here at Blyth Spartans and I'll continue to enjoy the role of Programme Editor until the end of the season. I came to the club aiming to make a real difference to the already brilliant media output and I feel like I have done so, particularly to the Matchday Magazine itself.

"It's been fantastic working with everyone at the club, from Tom the manager to the stewards on matchday. I'd like to thank Phil Castiaux, the club's Media Manager, in particular for giving me the chance to work at Blyth. He, and all the rest of the media guys, have been great fun to work alongside.

"My role of Editorial Intern in West Ham's media team is expected to be hands on from the first day and I could be asked to do anything from writing simple stories for the website to filming and producing video content at first team matches. The club are moving to the Olympic Stadium for next season so it's an exciting time for me to be joining.

"Though I'll be very busy, I'll do my best to get to at least one more Spartans game before the end of the season and here's to hoping that it will be to celebrate something! Whatever I do in the future, I'll be sure to get to Croft Park when I'm in the North East and their scores will be one of the first things I check at 5pm on a Saturday.

"See everyone in the FA Cup third round next season!"

Phil added: "On behalf of everyone at Croft Park, not just the media lads, we wish Matt all the best for the future. He's helped move Blyth Spartans forward and we're very grateful."