Wade confirmed as Spartans boss

Blyth Spartans announced on Tuesday that caretaker manager Tom Wade will lead them into next season.

The former Gateshead and Harrogate manager took over at Croft Park until the end of the current campaign following Paddy Atkinson's departure in February. He has now been confirmed as Spartans' new manager on a permanent basis.

Recently arrived coach John Cornforth and goalkeeping coach Carl King were also confirmed in their posts following Easter Monday's narrow 1-0 home defeat to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's Premier Division leaders North Ferriby United.

Announcing the trio's appointments, Spartans Chairman Tony Platten said: "We have put this management team in place to allow Tom, John and Carl the chance to get a start on preparing for next season. We need a structured pre-season and a settled squad in early and that's something that we didn't have this year.

"This move will allow them the time to get things exactly how they want them going into next season. We all hope that will improve on the current league position and performance in the cups because that's what the supporters want and that's what everyone at Blyth Spartans wants."

Wade said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to turn this club around next season. It's a big task. We have had two poor seasons and we know that we need to bring in players of quality to improve what we have.

"We can now build and prepare for pre-season to let the players know where they stand and get a good pre-season schedule together so we can look to give this club and the supporters a team to be proud of next season."

Cornforth joined the club just two weeks ago and the twice capped former Wales international said the trio's first task was to continue bringing stability to the club.

Cornforth said: "This move is what the club needs. We need stability and that will help us improve. We have to get this season finished off well and start again doing things the right way. There is a fantastic set-up and people who are passionate about the club. Hopefully we can do the right thing for the supporters."

Keeper coach Carl King returned to the club after a six month absence in February and revealed his pride at being at Spartans again.

He added: "I'm proud to be at this club because it's a massive one to be at. The move today is a brilliant one with Tom and John in place for next season. They both have experience at a higher level of football and contacts to allow us to improve and look to achieve a play off position at least."