New signing ready to step up

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Blyth Spartans have bolstered their squad ahead of the new season with the signing of Bishop Auckland midfielder Ryan Cummings, writes Mark Carruthers.

The move sees the ex-Hartlepool United and Bishop Auckland central midfielder reacquainted with former manager Colin Myers in the NPL's top flight at Croft Park.

After completing his move Cummings expressed his delight to have been given the chance to test himself at a higher level and said: "This is a great opportunity for me. I enjoyed my time at Bishop last year, but I just want to kick on with my career and Blyth gives me the chance to do that.

"It’s going to be a learning curve for me but, hopefully, I can make the step up and adapt to this league. I just want a name for myself, if I can.”

The 17-year-old - who opened the scoring in Bishop’s 2-1 Durham Challenge Cup Final win over Spennymoor Town last season - is also happy to be linking up with Myers once more.

Cummings added: "Colin proved how good he is last season, when we won the cup and beat Spennymoor four days after their FA Vase win at Wembley. On the games running up to that final, we’d sometimes turn up to some games with just 12 men.

"Despite that, he obviously still motivated us to do well and his success speaks for itself. I think Colin will be good for Blyth and, hopefully, we’ll do well this season."

New Spartans assistant manager Myers hailed the Premier Division club's newest acquisition.

Myers, number two to Tom Wade at Croft Park, said: "Ryan's an excellent player. Technically, he’s very good and he’s a big strong lad for his age. He’s been selected for England Schoolboys as well and that's the quality and calibre of lads that we want to bring in."

Myers added: "He is young so it's going to be a big test for him. But he had the same test at Bishops last season and he came through that with flying colours. So, I expect Ryan to take off here as well, once he settles in.”

Cummings could make his debut for Spartans on Saturday when they travel to North Shields in their opening pre-season friendly.