Blyth Spartans are delighted to announce the contract extension of winger Jarrett Rivers through the end of the 2018/19 season.
The 24-year-old re-joined the club during the summer of 2016 after a spell at Blackpool, and has made 121 appearances in the green and white of Blyth – scoring on 26 occasions including the famous winner against Hartlepool United in the FA Cup Second Round during the 2015/15 campaign.
The wingers contract was due to expire this summer – with a host of clubs sniffing around for his services – but Rivers has decided to extend his stay at Croft Park until at least the end of next season.
“I’m obviously delighted,” Rivers told Blyth Spartans AFC TV after the 1-1 draw with FC United of Manchester, “I’m enjoying my football here and have done for a good few years now.”
“I love playing for the Blyth fans and I’ve learnt a lot working with Alun, Darren Holloway and Hooksy (Neal Hooks.) I love playing in front of the fans week in, week out. We get near enough 1,000 fans here every week now and it’s great for a player to play in front of.”
The recently set up 1899 Club set up by the supporters to help acquire extra funds to for the management team helped secure the deal that will see the 24-year-old ply his trade at Spartans until at least the summer of 2019.
And another massive factor in the decision was the influence of current Spartans gaffer Alun Armstrong.
“He’s a great man manager and knows how to get the best out of his players,” Rivers stated, “I’ve learnt a lot from him and it’s clear to see he has experience of the highest level, both him and Daz (Darren Holloway.)”
Spartans’ manager Armstrong is delighted to have retained the service of Rivers after what he described as a ‘tough two weeks.’
The 42-year-old – who also spoke to Blyth Spartans AFC TV after the game against FC United of Manchester – is delighted to have retained a player of Jarrett’s calibre.
“Jarrett was given permission to speak to another club in our league, a full-time club due to an agreement we had with Jarrett when he returned to the club from Blackpool.
“He was offered a very good deal away from Croft Park, and it’s a testament to him that he’s decided to stay with us not just for this season, but the 2018/19 season as well.”
The Spennymoor born winger is focused on the Spartans fortunes going forward, and believes the club is capable of taking the next step.