Few players heading into Saturday's Emirates FA Cup tie have stronger connections to Newcastle Blue Star than Paul Dudgeon.
The midfielder made his breakthrough in senior football with Blue Star under Marc Nash and Anthony Woodhouse before reuniting with the pair at Croft Park amidst last season.
Now, with the two clubs set to meet competitively for the first time, Dudgeon reflects on his time at Blue Star, his relationship with the Spartans management team and why Saturday's fixture carries extra significance.
You spent several successful years at Newcastle Blue Star. How important was your time there in your development as a player?
It was very important for me. Nashy brought me into Blue Star when I was still at the Blyth Spartans academy and gave me the opportunity to step into senior football.
I made around 70 appearances during my time there, and that experience really helped me get used to men's football. It was a massive part of my development.
Having also played under Marc Nash and Anthony Woodhouse at Blue Star, how much did they influence your decision to join Blyth?
I've been with Nashy since I was 16 and I've always had a really good relationship with him and Woody. They've always pushed me to improve as much as they can.
So, as soon as I had the opportunity to work with them again, it was a no-brainer for me.
The FA Cup always brings a bit of extra excitement. How much are you looking forward to Saturday's game?
I can't wait to get back to competitive football.
The FA Cup always makes it that bit more special because it's the country's biggest cup competition, so I'm really excited for Saturday.
Does facing your former club make this fixture a little more special for you?
Definitely.
It's the first time I've ever played against one of my former clubs, and after having such a good time at Blue Star, it does make it extra special.
Hopefully it'll be a really good game.
There are quite a few former Blue Star players in the Spartans dressing room now. Has there been much banter ahead of the game?
Yeah, we've had a few laughs about one of us former Blue Star lads scoring, which I'm sure we'll all be hoping for come Saturday!
You've now had a full pre-season with the squad. How are things shaping up heading into the new campaign?
Things are shaping up really well.
I think we've had a good pre-season and we've got a very strong squad with lots of competition. That should push us all to keep improving with every game and every training session.
What have you made of the new additions to the squad?
The new additions are quality.
We've got a great mix of experienced players and young lads, so I'm really looking forward to getting the season started with everyone.
The atmosphere around the club feels really positive at the moment. Can you feel that as a player?
Yes, 100%.
After such a difficult couple of years for Blyth, it definitely feels like we can start looking up again as a club.
Now it's down to us as players to deliver a season that the fans can be proud of.
Finally... if you score on Saturday, are you celebrating?
I'd be lying if I said no!
I get absolute head loss whenever I score, so hopefully I get the chance to do it this weekend!
