Solano so proud to take Blyth gig
FORMER Newcastle United and Aston Villa winger Nobby Solano believes Blyth Spartans have handed him ‘a great opportunity' after he was named as new manager at Croft Park.
The popular Peruvian was offered the role earlier this week after the Northumberland outfit parted company with former boss Jon Shaw in the aftermath of their relegation from the National League North.
Solano has previous managerial experience with the likes of Peruvian clubs Universitario de Deportes and Jose Galvez before becoming assistant manager of the Peru national team in 2015.
His last managerial role came with Swedish second tier side AFC Eskilstuna but the 49-yearold, who had a part-time coaching role at Newcastle Benfield in 2012, has been out of work since October last year.
Rebuild
However, he will now take charge of Spartans after he penned a oneyear deal before quickly setting his sights on navigating a successful season in the Northern Premier League.
“It's a wonderful challenge, I'm really pleased,” Solano said. “One of the reasons I accepted is the way my ex-teammate,
Steve Howard showed me the ambition of the club, which is something I love. It will be a great opportunity to work with the local lads.
“I know Blyth very well. It's a very popular team in the north-east. I'm very excited, with these wonderful players, and the new owner, we need to work hard, work together, and get back up into the National League North.”
The move for Solano also marks the first managerial appointment of Irfan Liaquat's ownership at Spartans after he finalised the purchase of the club from former owner Tony Platten just 24 hours before their Step 2 relegation was confirmed.
The Tyneside businessman is confident Solano can play a lead role in helping rebuild the club during the first full season under his ownership.
“We are delighted to introduce Nolberto Solano as our new first-team manager,” he explained.
“A highly talented individual with the perfect blend of skills, expertise, and plenty of flair.
“His exceptional talent, coupled with his extensive network, positions him to achieve great success as we start our rebuild.
“I believe Nobby holds the key to what we've potentially been missing previously.”
