Steve Cuggy has been unveiled as the new manager of Blyth Spartans at Croft Park this evening.
Cuggy – a prolific striker for the Spartans in the late eighties and early nineties – will begin in his new capacity with immediate effect, after leaving his post at Whitley Bay. The 40-year-old will be joined in the dugout by new assistant manager Gavin Fell – who also travels north from The Bay.
Cuggy takes over from previous manager Mick Tait, who left the club at the end of the season.
Chairman Tony Platten hopes that the new management team will help the club to achieve their aspirations.
Platten said: “Steve and Gavin have extensive contacts at all levels of North East football. They will be exploring all options with regard to constructing a successful team for the future.
“Steve played for Blyth Spartans as a striker, before his success on the pitch allowed him to advance his career into the football league, and he is well aware what Spartans fans expect from their team.”
“Gavin played for the famous Wimbledon ‘Crazy Gang’ and has a UEFA B license. He brings with him extensive technical training and discipline skills and we’re hoping we can make use of these skills as we move the club forward.”
Cuggy insists he is not fazed by the challenge and is clearly relishing making the step up into management.
Cuggy said: “They say don’t go back if you’re unsure of yourself but I’m quite sure that I’ll give a good account of myself.
“We know it’s a big challenge for us but it’s not an impossible gap for us to bridge. We don’t think it’s an insurmountable task to be competitive, put it that way.
“We’ll make sure we have a team that isn’t going to get bullied. It’s not about being 6ft 5; it’s about having a big heart not how big you are.”
The ex-Spartan also revealed how much he enjoyed his time at Croft Park as a player, and had no hesitation in making a return.
He said: “I wish I’d spent more seasons at Blyth. I really enjoyed the two I had here, especially the second one. I would have liked to have played here for at least another one or two but it wasn’t to be.
“I couldn’t wait to come back. As soon as I heard that Blyth were interested, I was really excited.”
The pair also used the unveiling to set out their mantra for the season and give a reassurance to the fans that the club is in safe hands.
Fell said: “Yes it’s good to have flair, but it’s also about having a backbone as well and being prepared when it’s not going for you. The minimum that we expect is 100% effort, a good work rate and the right sort of focus and professionalism.
“It’s no different to being six miles down the road to here; my expectations will be the same from the boys. As long as they are giving Blyth Spartans, Cuggs and myself, the fans and everyone else associated with the club 100% then I’ll have no issues with them.
“But if anyone is seen not to be doing that, I’m sure they’ll find out quite quickly what my expectations are. It’s one thing we’ll not be doing; we’ll not be giving less than 100%.”