Nelson starts to clear the decks at Blyth Spartans

By Jon Couch

CLEAR-OUT Michael Nelson

MICHAEL Nelson is beginning the arduous task of re-shaping his Blyth Spartans squad for next season.

Spartans have endured a nightmare two years, spared relegation from National League North only by the null-and-void season of 2019-20 and then following that up with just one win and six points from their opening 14 games in this campaign before that too was curtailed.

Now Nelson is beginning the summer re-build at Croft Park with no fewer than 13 players being released with a further four in contract talks.

Centre-back Kris Thackray, who was spotted by Serie A side Reggina while playing for England Colleges XI, has retired from football at the age of 33 and he leaves the club along with a cluster of teammates who haven’t been offered new deals for 2020/21.

They are Brendan Pearson, Kieran Charlton, Matthew Elsdon, Alex Sakellaropoulos, Olly Scott, Callum Guy, Simon Heslop, Liam Agnew, Michael Cain, Levi Amantchi, Morgan Dart, Panos Katsamagkas and Kurt Russell.

At the same time, JJ O’Donnell and Dan Wilson have returned to Gateshead and North Shields respectively after their loan deals expired.

The club, meanwhile, are in negotiations with Rhys Evans, Connor Thomson, Corey McKeown and Jamie Clark over potential new deals.

Nelson said: “I’d like to thank the players that are leaving us. Last season was a tough one for everyone, not least with the Covid-19 pandemic, however the lads handled themselves brilliantly and always gave me 100%.

“I wish them all the best for the future.

“Rest assured, myself and the board are already planning for next season and have identified targets we feel may become available when their current contracts expire.”