Williams departs for Whitley Bay

The club can confirm that defender and captain Gareth Williams has informed manager Mick Tait that he would like to leave the club to join Whitley Bay.

'Cheeks' has been with the club for over 10 years, making over 400 appearances and has been involved in several of the club's biggest achievements including the treble winning season which saw us gain promotion from the Unibond Premier Division and the epic FA Cup run, that saw Cheeks lead the Spartans out, as Captain, to face Premiership side Blackburn Rovers.

Manager Mick Tait commented, "We have a committed, determined squad and a good dressing room, obviously it is a blow for Cheeks to leave as he was part of my plans for this season, but I had a long chat with him after training last night and he feels that he has gone stale at Blyth and wants a new challenge in his career. The dynamics of the squad, in terms of age, has changed since I arrived at the club and I think Gareth feels that the time is right to move on."

It, obviously, goes without saying that the club and I'm sure all of its supporters wish Gareth all the best for the future.

News of his departure has also seen 'Cheeks' inducted into the Blyth Spartans' Hall of Fame.