Match Photos| Blyth Spartans 2-2 Gateshead
A selection of images by Bill Broadley from the Boxing Day encounter between Blyth Spartans and Gateshead, with both teams sharing the points in a 2-2 draw.
Michael Nelson
Interview | Nelson previews Boxing Day derby with Gateshead
MANAGER Michael Nelson wants his players to understand how much the Boxing Day meeting with Gateshead means to Blyth Spartans supporters. Spartans host local rivals Gateshead at Croft Park this week, the first of a festive double-header between the two clubs with the return fixture taking place at the International Stadium on January 2nd. The same happened last season but in reverse, with Blyth running out 3-2 winners away from…
Interview | Nelson pleased with O’Donnell signing
Blyth Spartans boss Michael Nelson is hoping JJ O’Donnell will have an impact both on and off the pitch following his season-long move from Gateshead. O’Donnell thanked his former Heed teammate and coach for showing faith and a strong desire to bring him to Croft Park. The Heed cult hero arrives having surpassed 100 appearances at the International Stadium, most of which came in the National League. Nelson is pleased…
Interview | Nelson: ‘Please back the lads’
Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson understands fans’ frustration – but has pleaded for everyone to get behind his players. Nelson, who was appointed Blyth boss in the summer, has recruited a new-look squad in line with the budget available to him. Spartans have picked up one point from their opening five National League North matches – which followed in a 1-1 draw with AFC Telford United. Since then however, it’s…
Interview | Nelson pleased to get Cain over the line
Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson has revealed his delight after finally adding midfielder Michael Cain to his squad. Nelson was left impressed by Cain in pre-season, both in training and on the pitch after he featured in the 2-2 draw with Hartlepool United. In fact, Nelson tried to get the former Walsall man signed up after his encouraging display against Pools, but a deal was unable to materialise. Fast forward…
Interview | Nelson knows all about Cunningham’s qualities
Blyth Spartans boss Michael Nelson is fully aware of the qualities Aaron Cunningham brings to Croft Park. Cunningham, 22, returned to Blyth for his third loan spell from Hartlepool United for the entirety of the season. The defender has made 21 appearances across two previous loans at Spartans and will hope to add to that tally tonight at Guiseley. And just like supporters, Nelson knows all about the attributes he…
Captaincy | Nelson on handing Heslop captaincy
Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson is convinced newly-appointed club captain Simon Heslop is the man to lead the club into its new start. Heslop has succeeded Robbie Dale as Blyth’s captain following the club legend’s retirement this week. Dale captained Spartans to an FA Cup third round, Northern Premier and Northumberland Senior Cup double and the National League North play-offs. But Nelson insists he does not want Heslop to fill…
Interview | Spartans to resume training on Tuesday
Michael Nelson says Blyth Spartans will return to training on Tuesday ahead of the season opener at Whitley Bay. Spartans travel to Hillheads next Saturday in the Second Round Qualifying before facing Guiseley in National League North, three days later. Blyth players, staff and officials have been in self-isolation since last Friday after a person tested positive for coronavirus – bringing a premature end to the club’s four-game pre-season. The initial understanding was…
Interview | Agnew reveals Nelson impact
Liam Agnew has revealed the huge part manager Michael Nelson played in his decision to join Blyth Spartans. Agnew, 25, put pen to paper on a deal at Croft Park on Thursday evening to become Nelson’s latest recruit. The pair know each other well following their time at Gateshead together last season, and Agnew has heaped praise on his new manager. Nelson revealed other clubs had been chasing the former…
Interview | Nelson delighted to get Agnew signed up
Blyth Spartans manager Michael Nelson had to play the waiting game in his pursuit of Liam Agnew – but is now delighted to finally get his man. Former Sunderland under-21s captain Agnew joined Blyth permanently on Thursday afternoon, just days after leaving League Two side Harrogate Town. The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Gateshead – working alongside Nelson – and played a number of games as they to…