North East fans get their own website

Non-League football in the North East has a new website devoted to the region’s clubs and fans.

The brainchild of Mark Carruthers, senior press officer at EVO-STIK League Blyth Spartans, www.fortheloveoffootballblog.com was launched on Tuesday to give supporters a chance have their say on their club's fortunes throughout the coming campaign.

Including the EVO-STIK League’s representatives Blyth Spartans and Darlington, fans from 18 clubs will produce regular blogs on events over the season with their unique take on the action.

The Conference Premier’s Gateshead and Northern League outfits West Auckland Town, Shildon, Celtic Nation, Whitley Bay, Esh Winning, Heaton Stannington and Alnwick Town are among the clubs under the spotlight on the new website which will also include a groundhoppers' guide from Malcolm Stephenson, an expert hopper with more than 500 grounds under his belt.

Fans can also look forward to hearing the thoughts of three columnists who couldn’t be closer to the action throughout the season - players Ian Watson of Blyth Spartans and Craig Smith of Whitley Bay and a leading local and upcoming referee.

The EVO-STIK League’s Spartans and Quakers have also given permission for the highlights from their respective YouTube channels to be shown on the website which will also feature the work of photographers attending EVO-STIK League, Conference Premier, Northern League, Northern Alliance and Wearside League games. Fans can also follow the site on Twitter at @FTLOFBlog.

Chief editor Carruthers has high hopes for the new website. Ahead of the first articles being published on Tuesday, he said: "I've been working for Spartans for over two years now and before that I had exclusively watched top level football. Since working for the club I fell in love with Non-League football.

"It's football in its purest form and the passion and love for the game is extraordinary. I really hope the supporters embrace the website and our writers are committed to giving their honest and open opinions on the clubs they love."