Blyth Spartans hand new deals to management team after avoiding relegation

Blyth Spartans chairman Kevin Miles has backed management team Marc Nash and Anthony Woodhouse to guide the Northern Premier League East Division club into “a very positive future”.

The former North Shields and Newcastle Blue Star duo were appointed in November following the departure of manager Colin Myers and inherited a side that looked well on their way to a third consecutive relegation.

However, Nash and Woodhouse wasted little time in putting their own stamp on the Spartans’ ranks and, despite suffering a home derby defeat against Blyth Town on New Year’s Day that heightened concern over a drop into the Northern League, a major upturn in form triggered a successful push towards survival.

The likes of midfielder Paul Van Zandvliet and Jack Foalle have played integral roles in staving off the threat of relegation and will now form part of a Spartans squad that will look to lay solid foundations for a revival of fortunes at Croft Park after one of the darkest periods in the club’s long and proud history.

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Stability

Speaking after Nash and Woodhouse put pen to paper, the Spartans chairman told the club website: “Marc and his coaching staff have done a superb job since taking on what was a huge task back in November, and have succeeded in staving off the threat of yet another relegation.

“They have contributed hugely to the improvements we’ve seen both on and off the pitch in recent months, and knowing that we will have them continuing in their roles gives us all hope and confidence for a very positive future.”

Nash added: “Hopefully, this can bring much-needed stability for the club.

“For me, it was always a project that needs time to build. The first part of getting safe has been done, but there’s lots of hard work ahead.”

Belief

Assistant manager Woodhouse has worked alongside Nash at a number of his previous clubs.

He believes the club’s successful battle against relegation, officially sealed with a win at Bishop Auckland on Saturday, has created real belief around the club heading into the summer months.

He said: “It was a no-brainer when the club approached us.

“When we stepped in back in November, the job was clear: halt the slide and steady things.

“We’ve achieved that, and now the focus shifts to building and planning properly for next season.

“There’s a real sense of belief around the place, and wer’e excited about what’s ahead.”

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