Newly arrived Spartans defender Stephen Tobin was a happy man as he played his part in his new side’s 2-1 pre-season win over Whitley Bay. The former Bishop Auckland player came on midway through the second half for his first appearance since officially signing and felt his side deserved to win.
“I thought it was excellent, I was just pleased to get on and it was hard work but I thought I did ok. It’s a solid start for us and hopefully we can build on it. We had a good grip of the game first half and took the game to them. We handled everything they had reasonably well and deserved the win.”
Pre-season has seen Spartans busy in the transfer market with the many of the new additions being younger players. At twenty nine Tobin is the most experienced of the the new signings and feels he has a big part to play in helping the younger members of the Spartans squad settle into life at Croft Park and in the hectic environment that the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League brings.
“I wouldn’t say I was the loudest of people but I realise I have to help the younger lads in the squad throughout this season. It’s a tough league and there is plenty of experience in it, people like myself are going to have to take the lead and help the young lads.”
With two wins and one narrow defeat in their pre-season campaign Spartans are building nicely ahead of the new season and Tobin believes that whilst it’s important to build fitness, wins are important to build a “winning mentality” in time for day one of the league season.
“A good pre-season is essential. We should want to win every match but the key is to get everybody fit and the shape of the team right. Although obviously you want a winning mentality going into the season.”