Vase veteran switches to Spartans

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Blyth Spartans announced the signing of Darlington's cultured midfielder Paul Robinson on Tuesday.

Robinson, 29, started his career at York City before moving onto Newcastle Blue Star. He made his name at Whitley Bay, pictured, where he was dubbed the ‘Hillheads Maradona’ after collecting three FA Vase winners medals with the Northern League outfit.

A former teammate of current Spartans Rob Dale, Ian Watson and Ash Davis, Blyth are hoping the ball playing central midfielder will settle in quickly at Croft Park. Robinson could get his chance on Wednesday night when Spartans head to Darlington's temporary home at Hertitage Park to take on his former teammates in the First Round of the Doodson Sports Cup.

Robinson has been a long term target of a succession of Spartans managers. Wade is happy to be the one to finally secure his signature and said: "I’m delighted that Paul has joined, he’s a player who I have admired for a long time. He’s got experience and brings quality and a goalscoring threat to the midfield. We’ve now got an excellent blend of players in midfield and I think Robbo will enhance this, as well as bringing on some of the younger lads."

He added: "I would also like to express my thanks to Martin Gray, Harry Dunn and everyone at Darlington for their conduct in ensuring the transfer was completed smoothly."