Atkinson confirmed as new Blyth boss

Blyth Spartans appointed Paddy Atkinson as the permanent successor to Tommy Cassidy on Tuesday night.

The Spartans caretaker manager's appointment was confirmed exactly a month to the day after he took over at the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division club with Tom Wade working alongside him as assistant manager.

Blyth were held to a 0-0 stalemate after extra time at home to Whitley Bay in the Northumberland Cup's Quarter Finals before the news was released to the media late on Tuesday night.

Chairman Tony Platten backed the pair to bring fresh success to the club and said the immediate impact they'd made had impressed everybody. He said: "We are very happy with the changes that Paddy and Tom have brought to the team both on and off the pitch.

"They have brought in new players who are adding to what we have and there are signs of us going forward. We have great confidence in both of them and look forward to further improvements being made."

Atkinson, pictured, and Wade worked together at Newcastle Benfield, winning the Northern League in 2008-09. Wade brings a wealth of managerial experience having had spells with Gateshead, Newcastle Blue Star and Harrogate Town.

Atkinson was delighted to take over in the Croft Park hot-seat ahead of Saturday's home game against Eastwood Town. He said: "I’m glad we have put an end to the questions and speculation for a start. As far as I am concerned it’s the same as it was and everybody just has to get on and focus on the next game. That is what is important now. We can put it all to bed now and focus on winning games for Blyth Spartans.

"I’ve worked with Tom and he knows what I want. We have to go out now and bring in some players to support what we have. We were both at games last night so we are working hard to bring in the right kind of player for this club."

Wade was brought back to the club to assist Atkinson in his caretaker role and hopes that the permanent deals will give some stability to the the club.

He said: "It’s great to have been offered the role and I think the lads are responding to what we are asking of them but it’s still very much a work in progress. It will give us stability and the players need that.

"After the last couple of years I think we need to settle things down a bit if this club is go forward. On the pitch we are still working on the fitness side of things but we are starting to get through to the lads in terms of getting the ball down."