HMS Ocean
The green and white stripes of Blyth Spartans are quite literally overseas, taking pride of place on the Royal Navy’s Fleet Flagship HMS Ocean.
The signed shirt hangs on the wall of the Petty Officer’s Mess, which has recently been transformed into a swanky sports bar.
“We are soon to deploy for eight months outside UK waters on operations, and were trying to make living conditions as comfortable as possible,” said Chris Orkney, Communications Manager aboard the Ocean.
The jersey is mounted proudly alongside a signed Sunderland shirt, a framed Alan Shearer top and some Manchester United banners.
“I want to thank the club on behalf of the Petty Officers mess for the shirt. It looks really good and has helped massively to brighten up the mess,” said Chris. “The sports bar is up and running – the problem now is managing to get up for work on time without a hangover!”
The Netherlands
Three Dutch fans travelled across the North Sea to visit their favourite non-league club, and were given the full tour upon their arrival at Croft Park.
Robert Roest, Maikel Korthnd and Jordy Leewis flew in from Amsterdam on Friday morning, 28th October, and the Northumberland club was one of their first ports of call once they touched down on English soil.
All three support different clubs in their homeland – AFC Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord Rotterdam respectively – but count themselves as Spartans fans.
The guys were given the full tour of Croft Park by Ian Evans and Doug Ramsey, shown around the stands, the changing rooms and the corridors of power. Each was presented with the a history book and FA Cup run DVD as mementos of their trip, and left “suitably impressed”, according to the General Manager.
With Spartans away at Goole on the Saturday, the trio took in a game at the Stadium of Light instead – but only to watch Arsenal!
Germany
Blyth Spartans’ following now stretches into the heart of Germany, thanks to the patronage and support of Berliner Wulf Schroeder.
Alex Nicholson presented Schroeder with a signed number seven shirt when he visited these shores during the summer, and it now hangs proudly on the wall at one of his restaurants. He was also presented with a Spartans scarf and mug for his seventieth birthday (see left).
Although his first love is hometown side Hertha Berlin, Wulf retains a soft spot for the Spartans, representing the Green and White Army in the German capital.