Mick Tait, manager of Blue Square Bet North club Blyth Spartans, has appointed an experienced player/coach.
39-year-old centre back Chris Swailes’ former clubs include Doncaster, Bury, Rotherham and Oldham. He also turned out for Ipswich in the Premier League.
Tait said, “On top of his wide experience and knowledge about the game Chris is enthusiastic, honest and someone who will not beat about the bush. We lost an experienced head in the middle of defence with Steven Foster moving on to Mansfield Town so Chris will fill that position well.”
Swailes who coaches 16-25 year olds at East Durham College in Peterlee is looking forward to the challenge at Croft Park.
“I’m 40 in October but feel like I’m 25!” he said. “I’ve seen the level of the Conference Premier while at Gateshead last season so I know I can play in Blyth’s division.”
Swailes, who is a UEFA ‘A’ License coach while entitles him to be a head coach in the Premier League, is eagerly anticipating working with the Spartans’ players and helping the Club to progress.
“We finished mid table last year and we are looking to push on next season. We need a good start and players fighting for places and I’m sure we can then improve on last year.”