New signings Robert Nolan and Dean Holmes have made their moves to Croft Park official – along with Matthew Wade, who joins his father Tom at Blyth.
Wade – a central midfielder who joins from Washington FC – joined the ex-North Shields pair in registering for Spartans at the ground recently.
All three players played under Tom Wade as youngsters and forward Nolan is relishing working for the Blyth manager once more.
He said: “I was happy to come and sign for Tom. I’ve known him for years.
“On the pitch, he doesn’t really get on your back. He gives you advice, so I’m just happy to play for him.
“(Blyth’s a) big club and I can’t wait to get started.”
Nolan is also glad to be linking back up with Holmes again – after spending last season at the Daren Persson Stadium with him.
The 23-year-old – who scored 31 goals last season – said: “Dean’s an old-fashioned winger. He’s really direct; he gets down the by-line and crosses balls in.
“That’s where I got most of my goals from, so I’m really happy to be playing with him again.”
Nolan was also quick to praise Wade, who joins the pair in making the step up of three leagues.
He said: “I’ve known Matty for years. He’s really good in the air, he’s really direct and he’s good on the ball as well, so I’m really happy to be playing with him again as well.”
Holmes is also eagerly anticipating pulling on the green and white stripes next season.
The winger said: “I’m over the moon. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I really enjoyed my time at North Shields, but I’d like to try and make the step up. I know it’s a big step up, but I’m capable of doing it.
“I worked with Tom briefly when I was a lad but, other than that, I’ve not really worked with him. So I’m looking forward to that (as well.)”
He also revealed what he thinks the Green Army can expect from Nolan next season.
Holmes said: “I think they can expect a lot of goals. He’s fast and he knows where the net is.”
Matthew Wade also commented on the step up from Northern League Division Two football, but backed all three players to rise to the challenge.
He said: “It’s a big step up from playing for Washington last season, so I’m really looking forward to it.
“It’s a lot more physical (in this league) so we’ll have to get used to it, but I’m sure we can manage. We’re all good players.”
And despite his father sitting in the dugout every week, Wade Jnr doesn’t think it will make a difference to his own game.
He said: “It’s just like playing for any other manager on a Saturday really, when it comes to the game. So, it’ll not be too much of a difference for me.”
Speaking about his three new acquisitions, manager Tom Wade said: “I had them all at County (level) and they’ve all been to clubs. They’ve had the disappointment of being released from their clubs and now they’ve had a year or two in the Northern League.
“So, I think they’re ready to kick on now and play at a higher level. They’re very ambitious, very fit and really looking forward to it.”
“I think they’re all in the same mould as Dan Maguire. They’re all very, very keen to play for the club.
“They’re desperate to play at this level and they have a point to prove to themselves.”