Since signing for Spartans from Northern League side Consett, midfielder Jack Stanger has played in four different positions across the midfield but insists he will will play anyway for the team. Eighteen year old Stanger has made five appearances from the substitutes bench since making his debut when he replaced winger Lee Mason in the 2-2 draw at Grantham Town two weeks ago and has impressed many onlookers. However the player himself is just happy to play a part and ease himself in at Spartans. He said “I like to play in the centre of midfield, that’s my favourite position but I will play anyway if it means doing a job for the side. Hopefully I can get some more game time over the next few weeks as well because we have a busy December coming up and have lots of games so if I get my chance I will try my best to take it.”
Many a young player would get frustrated at not starting games but Stanger has shown why Spartans skipper Wayne Buchanan described him as an “Old head on young shoulders” by praising managerial duo Paddy Atkinson and Tom Wade for helping him gradually settled into life at Croft Park. Stanger said “Paddy and Tom have been top class and helped me settled really quickly. It’s been a good start for me. I couldn’t have asked for more from them, I really couldn’t. I’ve been fed into the squad and the team gradually and I am still getting used to the level we are playing at so I appreciate what they have done for me.”
As for how the move from Consett came about Stanger revealed that it was a former Spartans player who helped him gain a move to Croft Park. He revealed “It was Carl Jones who helped the move go through, he spoke to Paddy about me having seen me play. The club approached Consett and I was asked to come down and train and it’s went on from there. I’m happy to be here and looking forward to the challenge.”