With the dawn of a new chapter in the club’s history on the horizon once again, supporters weigh in on what’s been going on over the past few weeks and look ahead to tomorrow’s game.
Long serving volunteer Jeff Young is excited to finally get back to Croft Park, after what’s been a turbulent few months in the club’s history. The man who famously hasn’t missed a game home or away since 1987 and is rapidly closing in on his 2,000th consecutive Spartans games says “It’ll be nice to back to how things should be at Croft Park”.
He added “With more Blyth people now involved in the running of the club, it demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a more stable environment at BSAFC as the best interests of the club should be the primary focus”.
Longtime Spartans fan everyone’s favourite taxi driver Davey (Bod) Hansen is another who’s excited to back to Croft Park, following the club’s takeover. “It was a huge relief when takeover went through, especially now it’s in the hands of Blyth people who have the club at heart” he said.
“Being a CIC means nobody can draw money out of club – so all know every penny stays in the club. We all know the club runs at a loss. so hats off to CIC board members who bailed out the club after Irfan left us in such a mess”.
On the appointment of new manager Micky Connor, Davey said “It’s great to see a Blyth lad fullfill a dream of managing his hometown club”. He added let’s hope he can turn around our poor fortunes on the pitch. Let’s not underestemate the job he has on his hands, but i’m Sure Mick can turn this around. As for Saturday I’m really looking forward to it, and hope we have big crowd in getting behind the lads”.
Graham Usher has been the man when it comes to documenting the club’s history for a while now, though he was more than relieved to see the takeover go through and the club’s secured, saying “I seriously thought club was going into administration. But the CIC saved all that club history, so we can start building on it and adding to it”.
On tomorrow’s game against Matlock Town he added “I’ll be glad to get back to Croft Park, especially to see all the people wanting to be part of it again. Hoping for a win to get our season kicked started again, and seeing a better team performance”.
Awayday veteran and former player (technically) Mark Walker is another who’s excited to finally get back to Croft Park and condemn the last few months to history books. Looking back at the takeover, he said “It was a strange few weeks without football and the uncertainty was very worrying. Still, it was a huge relief when the takeover was confirmed”.
Casting an eye on Saturday though, Porky added “I can’t wait for the game tomorrow! I’m sure it will be the best atmosphere for quite some time at croft park and everyone will get behind the team. Points would be a welcome bonus as well though”.
Young Cole Williams echoed a lot of those sentiments, saying “I was very relieved when takeover finally happened. I’ve known Martin for years, and in seeing his love for the club it leaves no doubt in my mind that we are in safe hands with the new regime”.
Following last weekends improved performance, and now with a few more new faces through the door, Cole is fairly confident of a win tomorrow. “After last Saturdays much improved performance, I’m certainly looking forward to the home game tomorrow. There’s nothing better than being at Croft Park and in good spirits, so hopefully we can get the place packed. The lads were unlucky last week to lose the game like that, and I really think Mick and the lads will get a result tomorrow. Especially now he has had a bit more time to drill his ways into the squad”.
Blyth’s answer to Kai Havertz (Jack Morton) is looking forward to returning from his loan to the terraces of Brunton Park, and is also rather hopeful for the club’s future – especially with the new managerial appointment. “With Mick being appointed, it makes you want him to succeed more being a Blyth fan and someone who gets what we are about”.
He added “I’m Looking forward to being back at Croft Park, for what feels like the first time in forever. Even with the games suspended you don’t realise how much you miss that feeling of being a inside, it’s part of my routine. Though, I don’t miss Jay doing his own soccer Saturday mentioning every goal scored in EFL though.”
Blyth’s favourite pie sellar was another one happy to see Mick get the job, saying “After watching a few Blyth Town games where Mick was manager, I’m looking forward to Saturday to see if Mick can bring the style of football he got Town playing to Spartans, because it’s positive and attacking football”.
Awayday taxi and chef to the stars Dan Hume echoed a lot of those sentiments, saying “Mick interviews has me excited to watch football at Croft park again! I feel there more of a belief around the place, from fans to players to managament and oweners! I can’t wait to watch football back there tomorrow, I was buzzing for the open training never mind the match tomorrow!”.
Longtime Spartans Juniors coach and local wine connoisseur Craig Nicholson was another one who’s early anticipating Spartans return to Croft Park, saying “I’m so excited for the match. It feels like everything is finally lined up for proper stable, long term success at Spartans. As a Spartans fan I can’t wait to see Mick put his mark on the team and for performances to come and on behalf of Spartans Juniors we are all fully behind the club as we all move forward together.”
Lifelong supporter John Spence was also in a buoyant mood ahead of Saturday’s game. “I’m Loving the fact that Blyth Spartans is now a BLYTH owned club” he explained. “I’m over the moon at the appointments and indeed the set up, I think everything seems to be positive”.
He added “The interaction with the fans since the takeover has been phenomenal, and I think this is due to the new ownership team are Spartans supporters at heart. I would go as far to say that the new ownership team and the backing of the supporters coming through the turnstiles will turn the current league position around and get out of the relegation places, with that in mind I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow’s game, the atmosphere will be immense as well as the support for the team, good times ahead a feel”.
Tickets for tomorrow’s game can be purchased here, and will be available until 1:30pm tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon. You will of course however still be able to pay cash or card on the gate.