Spartans defender Joel Dixon may well have spent the last two months getting used to his new team mates but when his side kick off against Hartlepool United in Friday night’s FA Cup tie he will do so in the knowledge that there are more familiar faces in the Victoria Park stands. The former Frickley Athletic man will have his Dad, Grandad and Brother all in attendance at the game and he paid tribute to the influence all three of them have had on his career.
“I have my brother, dad and granddad coming. These three have been a great influence and been a superb source of encouragement throughout me playing football, always supported me and helped me in every way they could so for them to be there is perfect for me! Just wish my sister and my brother in law could of made it over for Germany but im sure they’ll be tuning in from Stuttgart anyways!”
The FA Cup has played a special part of Dixon’s introduction to life at Croft Park. Indeed he made his Spartans debut in the 4-1 Second Qualifying Round destruction of Skelmersdale United, a day he described as “very special”. Since then Dixon and his team mates have seen off Mickleover Sports, Leek Town and Conference side Altrincham to set up the First Round tie with Pools and he revealed that the win at Skelmersdale played a key part in such a memorable cup run.
“Making my debut in the fashion I did was certainly very special. Going to a team who were in fine form and still stand top of our league at the moment and being part of a team who honestly was just rampant in the game was a great feeling! Running out winners 4-1 was certainly special. To be a part of that and to win and to personally play well was just for me what made a dream debut!
After that win there was a slight belief that we could replicate the same success that teams from the past have done but to be in the position we are now as a team, live on BBC2 Match of the Day, with the potential to reach the Third round. That’s just remarkable! It why you play the game, for occasions like this!”
It’s been a rollercoaster introduction to life at Spartans for Dixon, who spent time playing in Norway with Sarpsborg 08 FF. The twenty two year old has found himself playing in a number of positions and manager Tom Wade shuffled his squad to cope with the increased amount of fixtures that come with an FA Cup run and Dixon is thankful for the support given to him by the management team.
“My first two months at Blyth have been like a fairytale! Its been a smooth transition to be honest, the lads, the staff, the fans have been nothing short of brilliant, the way they have made me feel welcome and helped me fit in. They’ve all backed me and helped me feel like I deserve to be here. I feel personally I have done well the first two months, playing like centre midfield, right back and centre back and just being prepared to help the team in any way I can. It’s a privilege to be at the historic club and I feel we are a club on the rise and it is exciting times to be part of this Blyth Spartans team”