In a regular feature every Friday throughout the close season we look at the individual performances of members of the Spartans squad during the 2013/14 season. Players stats, notable acheivements and a comprehensive review of their performance can be found. Next up is defender Nathan Buddle
If you were choosing a player to represent the upturn in performances at Blyth Spartans over the last twelves months then defender Nathan Buddle wouldn’t be far away from your number one choice.
The Amble born centre back was released by SkyBet League Two side Hartlepool United last summer and after impressing on trial at Croft Park signed shortly before the pre-season friendly with Morpeth Town.
Buddle made his debut in the 2-1 home win over Trafford after missing out on the season opener at Marine as he was on trial at Skrill Premier club Luton Town.
Featuring mainly at centre back, Buddle also had a spell at right back and quickly became a fans favourite at Croft Park. His first goal for the club came in the impressive 2-1 win at Barwell in September and he managed three goals during the season, including an equaliser in the Northumberland Senior Cup Semi Final win over Ashington.
Making a total of fifty one appearances – including one from the bench – Buddle created two goals for his team mates and both assists were memorable to say the least. His sixty yard ball released Dan Maguire in on goal to complete his maiden Spartans hat-trick against Stafford Rangers and the centre back showed his range of passing against Witton Albion as his crossfield ball found Robbie Dale, who went on to beat two players before scoring from a narrow angle.
Throughout the season Buddle played a part every one of the eleven clean sheets Spartans kept. His form saw him awarded seven man of the match awards, a figure only bettered by Dan Maguire’s twelve.
Buddle also collected the Port of Blyth Player of the Month award for March and also won their Player of the Season award. He was also awarded the Radio Northumberland Player of the Season.
To cap of a remarkable season for the young defender he was called up to an England “C” Representative side alongside six of his Spartans team mates to face a Northern League XI. Buddle actually captained the side for the game that was played to mark the League’s 125th anniversary.
The rundown of Nathan’s season is as follows:
Appearances: 50 starts, 1 substitute appearance
Season Debut: Trafford FC (H) Evo-Stik NPL 2-1 win
Goals: 3
First goal: Barwell(A) 2-1 win
How goals were scored: 2 right foot, 1 header
Where were they scored: All inside the area
Goals per game ratio: 1 in every 16.67 games
Assists: 2
Main beneficiary of assists: Robbie Dale and Dan Maguire – 1
Assists per game ratio: 1 in every 25.5 games
Clean sheets: 11
Clean sheets per game ratio: 1 in every 4.64 games
Favourite opposition of the season: Barwell, Rushall Olympic and Ashington – 1 goal
Awards: Port of Blyth Player of the Month for March, Port of Blyth Player of the Year, Radio Northumberland Player of the Year, England “C” Representative call up