Squad Announcement Day - 2025/26
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
With the 2025/26 campaign approaching, we are proud to reveal the Blyth Spartans first-team squad ahead of the new season!
Blyth Spartans AFC Manager, Colin Myers, expressed his pride in unveiling the squad for the upcoming season:
I am delighted to formally announce the Blyth Spartans squad for the 2025/26 season.
In assembling this group, our focus has been on achieving the right balance of experience and emerging talent. We have secured a number of seasoned players who bring leadership and composure in key areas of the pitch, complemented by younger players with the potential to develop and grow within the club. This blend offers a strong foundation not just for the season ahead, but for the next three years as we look to build long-term stability and success.
This approach mirrors the strategy we implemented during my previous spell at the club between 2013 and 2015, a period that saw several players go on to serve Blyth Spartans with distinction. That experience has reinforced my belief in building a squad that is not only capable in the short term but invested in the club's future.
We start with the fresh faces joining us at Croft Park this summer, followed by the players who are retained and ready to go again in green and white.
Matty Cassap - Goalkeeper (Age 19)
A promising young talent, Matty is a product of the Gateshead FC Academy and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting emerging goalkeepers in the region. He joined Dunston UTS at the end of the 2022/23 season before moving to Heaton Stannington for the start of the 2024/25 campaign. Matty has also gained valuable Northern League experience with Whickham and Seaham Red Star. Known for his sharp reflexes, excellent shot-stopping ability, and commanding presence in the box, he will be strongly competing for the No. 1 spot this season.
Charlie Wood - Defender (Age 20)
Charlie began his senior career with Spennymoor Town in the National League North before signing for West Auckland ahead of the 2024/25 season as a contracted player. He featured in every match throughout the campaign and was named Player of the Year at the end-of-season awards, having earned the highest number of Man of the Match accolades. A strong and composed central defender, Charlie is comfortable both aerially and on the ground. His pace and excellent reading of the game make him a key asset at the heart of the defence.
Jake Dobinson - Defender (Age 20)
Jake was at Hartlepool United as a youngster. He began his senior career with Shildon AFC before joining West Auckland for the 2023/24 season. After an encouraging start, an injury temporarily sidelined him to the reserves, but he showed resilience and determination to reclaim his first-team place by the end of the campaign. He moved to Tow Law Town for the 2024/25 season, where he was ever-present and delivered consistent performances throughout. Jake also trained with the Spartans toward the end of last season, leaving a strong impression on the coaching staff. A powerful and quick left-back, he is difficult to beat defensively and brings energy and intent when driving forward in attack.
Charlie Grieveson - Defender (Age 23)
As a youngster, Charlie spent time with Newcastle United before moving on to Carlisle United. He began his senior career in the USA before returning and signing for Ryton. After several impressive performances, he moved to Birtley Town and then on to Newcastle Benfield. Charlie was part of the successful Northumbria University side that won the BUCS National League last season. Charlie is a strong, no-nonsense defender with excellent leadership qualities.
Harvey Rudd - Defender (Age 19)
Harvey is a product of the Darlington FC Academy. He signed as a non-contract player with the first team before being dual registered with Consett AFC in the Northern Premier League. Harvey is a very quick defender with lots of technical ability and has impressed during pre-season.
Jack Chapman - Defender (Age 18)
Jack played for Spennymoor United U18's last season. He also represented Cleveland at County level and was also part of the England Schools Squad. Jack is a strong defender who has greatly impressed in preseason and for such a young lad he shows great maturity.
Tom Myers - Defender (Age 19)
Tom is a product of the Gateshead FC academy and has also played for Darlington Youth when they won the County Cup. He has also represented Jarrow, Tow Law and West Auckland of the Northern League. At 6 ft 5in, Tom is a tall commanding centre half who shows great promise and is one for the future.
Dan Maw - Midfield (Age 19)
Dan started his career as part of the Darlington FC Academy before signing as a non-contract player for the first team. Due to limited opportunities with the first team, he went out on a dual registration to Sunderland RCA, where he was made captain and was a mainstay of the side. Dan has ambitions to play at the highest level possible and will provide stiff competition for places in the Blyth midfield this season.
Matty Slocombe - Midfielder (Age 31)
Matty began the 2024/25 season with Ashington following an impressive 12-year spell at Consett. He returned to Consett in October 2025 with the aim of supporting the club's fight against relegation. First signing for the club in January 2012, Matty has made 444 appearances and scored 23 goals. His notable achievements include winning the Durham Challenge Cup in 2018 and captaining Consett to the FA Vase Final at Wembley, where he was named Man of the Match. A combative and experienced central midfielder, Matty brings strong leadership qualities and will play a key role.
Danny Anderson - Midfield (Age 23)
Danny was part of the successful Ashington side that won the Northern League Cup and Cleator Cup. He was dual registered with Dunston UTS last season, where he made some appearances, as well as representing North Shields in the Northern League. Danny is a central midfielder who offers a wide range of passing, is comfortable on the ball and looks to help the side play. He has been very impressive in pre-season, and he will add creativity to the midfield.
Som Ndu - Midfield (Age 23)
Som was an integral part of Team Derby, the university team, who won the BUCS (Midland) League, earning them promotion to the National League. He also played for AFC Dunstable and Clapton Town. Som is relocating to the Northeast to further his studies and has spent pre-season training with the squad and has been very impressive. Som is a powerful box-to-box midfielder with lots of pace and energy.
Arran Wearmouth - Winger (Age 32)
A familiar face to Blyth supporters, Arran was a key member of the club's memorable 2014/15 FA Cup run, which culminated in a Third-Round fixture against Birmingham City. He began his career with Middlesbrough FC before making the move to Bishop Auckland. Arran joined Blyth Spartans in 2013 and later progressed to Darlington in 2016, competing in the National League North. His career also includes experience in the Northern Premier League Premier Division with Whitby Town, as well as NPL East stints with Shildon and Marske United. An exciting and dynamic winger, Arran brings a wealth of experience and will offer valuable leadership.
Benji Shodeinde - Striker (Age 22)
Benji arrives following an outstanding season with Jarrow FC in the Northern League, where he finished as the club's top scorer with 25 goals. A product of the highly regarded Park View Academy, he made his Northern League debut at just 17 and has since gained valuable experience with Chester-le-Street Town and Birtley Town. Known for his blistering pace, relentless work rate, and eye for goal, Benji is a dynamic forward with significant potential. His signing was highly sought after, with strong competition for his services ahead of the new campaign.
Alongside the new additions, several familiar faces complete our squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Lewis Baker
Luke Parker
Rob Kinniburgh
Shay Richardson
Zach Simpson
Leon Burke
Dean Briggs
After a busy summer, Colin Myers offered his perspective on the squad he's built for the 2025/26 campaign.
What supporters can expect from this squad is a group of players who will bring honesty, integrity, and an exceptional work ethic, qualities that I believe are non-negotiable when wearing a Blyth Spartans shirt. These values align with the identity of this football club, and I firmly believe our supporters deserve nothing less.
I fully recognise that, given the current financial constraints, some supporters may have hoped to see more high-profile names. However, I want to reassure you that this is a group of players who are fully committed to the cause and will represent Blyth Spartans with pride and passion. Every one of them understands the responsibility that comes with playing for this club, and they are ready to give everything to help us turn the corner.
This has been a complete rebuild from the ground up. As such, I would urge all supporters to rally behind this group. The role you play cannot be overstated, your support can make Croft Park a hostile place for visiting teams and a fortress for our own. Creating that atmosphere starts with unity and belief.
There are still a couple of additions we hope to finalise in the coming weeks, and I look forward to sharing further announcements in due course.
Thank you for your continued support.
Supporters will have their first chance to meet the new-look squad at our Open Training session on Saturday, July 5th, 9am-12pm. Come along and get behind the lads as preparations continue for the new season.