The refurbished Blyth Spartans Official Club Store was opened prior to Saturday’s home fixture with Marine and Blyth Town Mayor Bob Parker was on hand to perform the grand unveiling.
In fact the very first purchase inside the new store was made by the Mayor as he handed over his money and bought an official club tie. Alongside Supporters Club Chairman Iain Charlesworth the Mayor cut the ribbon to officially open the store and afterwards he spoke of just how important the club and it’s supporters are to the town.
“The club and this store are massively important to Blyth. First and foremost the club is one of the first things people bring up when you mention Blyth. The supporters and what they have done in the store shows just how important the club is to them. I was chuffed to be asked to come down and do this and the work they have put in is just amazing”
As well as a crowd of members of the Green Army the Spartans squad and the club’s coaching staff were also on hand to witness the opening of the new store and General Manager Ian Evans revealed his admiration for the work undertaken by the Official Supporters Club.
“You can’t underestimate just how much graft has been put in by the lads to get this done for today. I have purposely waited until today to see the final result despite being invited in and they have worked wonders in there”
Over the past month Charlesworth and Supporters Club Committee members have whiled away into the small hours in order to get the store opened in time for the Marine game. Charlesworth himself admitted that at times he didn’t think they would be able to hit the challenging deadline they had set for themselves.
“It’s a massive relief. On Friday we honestly didn’t think it would be done for today but credit to the lads who have helped out. We have had some serious late nights and some very long days and we have managed to get it done. They are still some minor tweaks to be done but I am happy with it and I hope the Green Army are too”
The Christmas opening hours for the store have been announced and are as follows:
Saturday 14th December: Midday – 4pm
Tues 17th, Wed 18th, Thur 19th: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Stamford home game Saturday 21st: Midday – 5pm
Monday 23rd December: 10am – 2pm
Christmas Eve: TBC