“Why Would I Leave?” - Paul Van Zandvliet Delighted To Stay At Spartans

Following the confirmation of Blyth Spartans' retained list for the 2026/27 campaign, midfielder Paul Van Zandvliet says the squad are now fully focused on “kicking on” next season after securing the club's survival with a final day hat-trick.

Having arrived during a difficult spell for the club last season, Van-Zandvliet quickly became an important figure within the Spartans squad as Marc Nash's side pulled clear of the relegation places towards the end of the campaign.

After agreeing to remain at Croft Park for next season, the midfielder admitted staying at the club was an easy decision.

“It was a no-brainer to be honest,” he said.

“Why would I leave? It's time to kick on next season.

“What's also been massive is keeping a good core of the lads together to build from because we've got a great togetherness within the squad.”

Van-Zandvliet will once again link up with manager Marc Nash and assistant Anthony Woodhouse next season, having previously worked under the pair elsewhere during his senior career.

“I've known Nashy and Woody for the best part of nine or ten years now and spent most of my senior career playing under them, so I know exactly what they want from me,” he explained.

“We all believe in their plans and now it's about building and seeing where that takes us this time next year.”

The midfielder also outlined both his personal ambitions and the squad's collective targets heading into the new campaign.

“I'd love to finish with the golden boot again!” he joked.

“But seriously, my targets are for us to finish in the top seven and be competitive in all the cups.

“Personally, I'd also love to hit double figures for goals and help the team as much as possible.”

Reflecting on the battle Spartans faced last season, Van-Zandvliet believes the club can now begin looking further up the table rather than fighting near the bottom once again.

“It definitely wasn't easy coming in when I did, but credit to everyone involved with the club because we pulled through as a collective,” he said.

“Now it's definitely time to start looking towards the other end of the table with everyone eager to get going again.”