Double Wembley winner signs for Spartans

After securing six of last season’s Evo-Stik Northern Premier League squad in midweek, Blyth Spartans manager Tom Wade has made FA Trophy and FA Vase winner Chris Moore the first of two summer signings.

Spartans announced on Saturday that former Whitley Bay and Darlington winger Moore, pictured, had joined the club along with Bishop Auckland striker Dan Hawkins.

The duo will team-up with captain Robbie Dale, top scorer Dan Maguire, defender Danny Parker and midfielders Lewis Horner, Arran Wearmouth and Matthew Wade who all committed to another season at Croft Park on Wednesday.

Moore - who was an FA Trophy winner with Darlington in 2011 and lifted the FA Vase with Whitley Bay - had spells with Durham City and Team Northumbria last season after leaving the Quakers.

After signing, the 30-year-old told the club's website that he nearly joined Wade’s side just after Christmas following his departure from the First Division North's Quakers.

Moore said: "I want to come to Spartans in January when I left Darlington but it wasn’t to be. However, it’s great that the move has now materialised and I’m happy to be here.

"We have a good young side and obviously I know some of them from my former clubs so hopefully I can help the club push on from a positive season last time out."

Hawkins spent time with Middlesbrough’s academy before moving to Northern League side Shildon. He joined Bishop Auckland in October 2010, making an instant impact at Heritage Park when he scored on his debut. He also scored the club's first goal, brace and hat-trick at their new home.

Hawkins revealed that he could also have made the switch to Croft Park last season after linking up with Spartans assistant manager Colin Myers at Bishops.

He said: "Colin wanted me here last year but the timing just wasn’t right for me. However, I am now ready for the challenge of stepping up to a higher league and proving myself in this division and I think I am ready to better myself at the club."