Callum's wish coming true

Blyth Spartans hope to see disabled fan Callum Brown on his feet for the first time in his life at Croft Park after he returns from a life-changing operation in the United States.

New Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson celebrated his first win in charge as Tommy Cassidy's permanent successor on Saturday, a 1-0 victory over Eastwood Town, after the Spartans heard news that their young fan's operation had been booked for early January.

The 10-year-old, pictured, has Cerebral Palsy and doctors hope he’ll be able to walk unaided in the New Year after the operation, known as a selective dorsal rhizotomy, in St Louis.

His family launched ‘Callum’s Wish To Walk’ campaign to raise the £50,000 needed to fund the trip and the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division club’s general manager Ian Evans heard about the youngster's plight from his granddaughter who is in the same class at school.

Spartans General Manager Evans said: "We are over the moon to learn that Callum is off to the States. We all wish him every success and are looking forward to welcoming him back to the first home game he’s able to attend."

Callum was a mascot when a bucket collection among Blyth and Hednesford fans in September raised more than £300 towards the target and he’s been at nearly every home game since after being made an honorary season ticket holder.