Former Spartans boss is bouncing back

Former Blyth Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson is back in business after taking over at Northern League outfit Whitley Bay.

Atkinson, pictured, guided the Spartans in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League last season before the appointment of current Croft Park manager Tom Wade.

Atkinson led Newcastle Benfield to the Northern League title in 2009 and was introduced to fans at Hillshead Park on Tuesday night before watching his new charges at the former EVO-STIK NPL outfit beat Bedlington Terriers 2-1.

Atkinson replaced Leon Ryan who stood down after ten months at the helm.

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