www.spartansfans.co.uk

Next Season's Home Kit

2008-05-30T16:34:00.003+01:00

Detailed above is the mock up for next season's home kit which should be on sale in the next few weeks (dependant upon agreement of the main shirt sponsor). The shirts are being made by Errea (the company which makes Middlesbrough's kit) and will be priced as following: -

Adults (S, M, L, XL and XXL) - £35

This will be available with long or short sleeves

Kids (YXS - XXS - XS) - £25

These 'should' also be available in the long and short sleeved versions.

It was hoped to 'unveil' the new away kit, but a last minute alteration to the range have caused a change of the proposed shirt and this will hopefully be revealed in the next week or so.

Whilst we appreciate that this will be the third season in a row where we have changed the home kit, changes to the design of the previous season's shirt as well as a change in supplier and shirt sponsor left us with no real option but to change the kit.

Once the kit is stocked in the shop it will also be available to buy online, with payment being available through PayPal.

Blue Square Fan Awards 2007/08

2008-05-13T13:41:00.003+01:00

From the League's Press Department: -

League sponsors Blue Square are giving the fans of Blue Square Premier, North and South clubs the chance to have their say on a number of prestigious end of season awards. By following the “Blue Square Awards” link on the www.bluesqfootball.com website, fans will have the choice to vote in 10 special categories.

Blue Square have enjoyed their first full season as sponsor of the Blue Square Premier, North and South. It has been a rollercoaster ride with some great individual performances, as well as team achievements that have surpassed everyone’s expectations.

There have been great goals, spectacular saves and some moments that players and fans alike may wish to forget. Now is your chance to decide which of these have been the best of the season. Supporters just fill in their favourites and Blue Square will announce the overall winners at the end of the month.

That’s not all...

Blue Square are offering all participants in the fan vote a FREE DVD of Blue Square Premier action from their inaugural season. The Blue Square Review 2008 chronicles the story of the season, from the Fleetwood goal bonanza to Aldershot’s title-winning charge. It will most importantly however include all of the fans award winners in action, showing exactly why they triumphed!

Squad Place Up For Grabs!!!

2008-04-30T13:16:00.005+01:00

Blyth Spartans Supporters’ Club is offering its fans a unique opportunity to be included in next season’s squad!

The winner will be become a member of the squad, feature in the squad photo, have their “pen pics” forwarded to the programme editors of the clubs we face, as well as included on the official website.

Tickets for entry into the competition will cost £5 and will be available from Martin Hunter (or any Supporters’ Club Official) at the Presentation Night, Supporters’ Club AGM, Sponsors Night, as well as at the Preseason Friendlies and the winner will be drawn at random in the Social Club 15 minutes prior to the first Saturday home game of the new season.

The competition is open to anyone over 16 years old and the winner will be offered a “starting place” in any arranged charity games (i.e. an Emmerdale all-stars match)

For any exiles who will not be at the events over the summer, if they send an email to the SC (using the link at the top right of the home page) we will be able to sort out a ticket via PayPal or cheque.

April 08's POTM

2008-04-29T12:09:00.001+01:00

The player of the month for April 2008 goes to Centre Back Gary Brown. Gary has become a firm fans' favourite since his move from Jarrow Roofing with some wonderful displays at the heart of the Blyth defence.

He typifies the spirit that has been shown in recent months to drag Blyth out of the relegation mire and also proves that there are still gems to found playing in the Northern League. Gary averaged 8.00 for the month and picked up 2 Star Man awards.

The player with the second highest average for the month was captain Gareth Williams who averaged 7.50 for the month.

Well-done Browny!

ADAM BARTLETT – PLAYER OF THE SEASON

2008-04-29T11:25:00.004+01:00

With Blyth having played their final game of the season on Saturday; the “all-important” www.spartansfans.co.uk Player of the Season can now be awarded. This award is made to the player who has achieved the highest average merit mark for the season as awarded by various Spartans’ fans, officials and players (over 50 people have voted in this year’s competition).

It will come as no surprise to anyone who has seen Blyth Spartans play this season that the award has gone to Adam Bartlett. The ‘keeper played every minute of every league game and only missed one game all season (the Setanta Shield match with Harrogate Town) because of international commitments with the England ‘C’ Squad. In addition to this he picked up 12 ‘Star Man’ awards, was awarded a perfect 10/10 in two matches, was the hero in two penalty shootouts and kept Blyth in a number of games with saves that, quite frankly, had to be seen to be believed.

On hearing of his award the 22 year old, who works as a Goalkeeping coach at Newcastle United’s Academy said, “Obviously I’m delighted to win the award for a number of reasons. The first being that the merit mark system through the whole of the season shows a good indication of how you have performed throughout and to come out on top with the highest average and most ‘Star Man’ awards is very pleasing. On top of that it wasn't just voted for by 1 or 2 people. There were many different fans rating your performances each game, so to have impressed so many different Spartans also makes me very proud of this achievement.”

Bartlett’s form was so consistent over the course of the season that he only received a score of less than 7/10 on one occasion and this is something that ‘keeper was also rightly satisfied with, “I have been pleased with my consistency throughout the season and feel that I have progressed as a player from the previous season, although as a whole the team has not reached the level we know we can.

I would also like to thank all Blyth supporters for their support through a tough, tough season and I look forward to seeing this support again during the 2008-2009 season.”

Adam will be officially presented with his award at the end of season Presentation Night (which will take place in the Social Club on Friday 9 May)

Well-done Barts!

Score and Win!

2008-04-29T11:24:00.001+01:00

Once again Blyth Spartans will be running their Sponsor the Goal scheme for the upcoming season, for a one off payment of £20 you will be entitled to three guesses as to how many goals the Spartans will score next season, up to the last home game (excluding play offs and penalty shoot outs). Alternatively you can agree to pay 20p per goal, but you will only be entitled to one guess. In the event of a tie the winner will be decided by a draw in the clubhouse following the last game of the season. The winner will receive a FREE season ticket for season 2009-2010.

This season the Spartans have managed a total of 66 goals with the winning guess coming from Phil Castiaux

Should you want to take part in the competition, please see Gordon Young or send us an email (via the link at the top right of the home page) and we will email you a form.

Adam Bartlett - Supporters Club Player of the Year

2008-04-20T17:57:00.004+01:00

At the last home game of the season (v Solihull Moors) goalkeeper Adam Bartlett was presented with the highly coveted Blyth Spartans Supporters' Club Player of the Year for season 2007/2008. The 'keeper has had another brilliant season 'between the sticks' winning us numerous points with some unbelievable saves. His form has been so good he has also been called up to the England 'C' squad on several occasions.

This award is given out every year and is decided in a vote a the penultimate home game of the season (the www.spartansfans.co.uk award is still on-going and will be awarded after the season has ended)

The above picture shows Adam being congratulated by Supporters' Club Committee Member Derek Birdsey (although in fairness, Derek doesn't look too keen to hand over the trophy!)

Well done Barts!

WE'RE SAFE!

2008-04-20T10:37:00.002+01:00

Despite going down 3-2 to Boston United yesterday, results elsewhere ensured that the cigars and deck chairs could be confidently utilised as confirmation came that Blyth Spartans will ply their trade in Blue Square North again next season. After two seasons that have seen a huge amount of success, I think everyone knew this season would be a tough one as we tried to establish ourselves in the league.

Here's to next season!

Cup Final Travel

2008-04-04T13:25:00.002+01:00

The Supporters' Club are looking to run a bus to the nPower Northumberland Senior Cup Final at St. James' Park on the 23 April 2008. The bus will cost a flat rate of £4 each and will leave Croft Park at 6pm. The bus will leave St. James' Park at 10pm (subject to extra time / penalties).

Should you wish to travel in comfort to the game and not need to worry about parking, etc please send a PM to 'MTS' (via www.spartanszone.com) or send us an email via the link at the top right of the home page.

Home Shirt ... SALE ON!

2008-04-01T17:18:00.001+01:00

Please note that the current home shirts (proudly modelled above by March's POTM Chris McCabe) are now available from the club shop for only £15 each. There are limited sizes and numbers available so get yourself down to the club shop at the next home game to pick up a bargain!

Supporters' Club Meeting Minutes

2008-04-01T17:13:00.004+01:00

Date Of Meeting:
1 Mar 2008

Present:
Bobby Bell, David Wall, Anthony Seghini, Martin Hunter, Jeff Young, Brian Bell, Derek Birdsey, Ian Burt, Deborah Wall and Stan Watson

Apologies:
Andy King

Matters Arising:
- Cost of printing programme professionally still being looked into – BB to report back
- MH had arranged for the tannoy and website announcements regarding the reduced cost of the shirts - these were now all sold out
- Buses are to be run to Boston and Leigh RMI - AS and MH to organise
- Further discussions were carried out regarding next seasons kit

Correspondence:
- Various orders from the online shop

Treasurer's Report:
- Healthy bank balance in place with all bills paid

Club Shop:
- Various other items of stock are awaited (small badges, tie-pins, cufflinks, etc)
- Agreement to reduce the cost of home shirts to £15 – MH to arrange PA announcement and website update

Programme:
- BB mentioned that additional help is required for producing programme. For a Saturday game the programme is printed on a Wednesday at c. 7pm and for a Tuesday game it is printed on a Sunday c.5pm

A.O.B.:
- Audrey Hedley has donated videos, books, etc to the SC to be sold in the club shop - MH and BB to organise letter of thanks

Date Of Next Meeting:
- 12 April 2008 @ 12.30

March 08's POTM

2008-04-01T17:07:00.004+01:00

This is almost becoming boring!

The player who achieved the highest average mark for the month of March is midfielder Chris McCabe, who has continued his hugely impressive season with yet another collection of fine battling displays. It is fair to say that you only realise how good a player 'Tadge' is and how important he is to the way we play when he is not in the team.

His avarage mark for the month was 7.50

The player who achieved the secong highest mark for the month is new boy Steve Birks who achieved an average mark of 7.33

Well done Tadge (yet again)

SC Travel - Boston

2008-03-30T17:25:00.004+01:00

The Supporters' Club (in conjunction with sponsors the Masons Arms) are proposing to un buses to the last away game of the season. The proposed trips are as follows: -

Leigh RMI - 26 April 2008 (bus leaves at 9am)

The cost of the bus will be £15 (accompanied kids under 14 can travel for free)

Should you wish to travel with us to watch the boys please send a PM to 'MTS" (via Spartanszone.com) or email us via the link at the top right of the home page.

300 SPARTANS

2008-03-24T23:10:00.005Z

The recent game against Burscough saw Spartans’ defender Gareth Williams make his 300th appearance for the club. ‘Cheeks’ is the first Spartans’ player to achieve the feat since FA Cup Hero Tommy Dixon in the early 80s

Signed in 2000 from Whitley Bay, Cheeks made his Spartans debut in the 2-1 win over Gateshead and scored his first goal for the club in the league cup clash with Bishop Auckland later that season. Since then he has gone on to play in every position for the club except in goal and was a major part of the treble winning side of a couple of seasons ago.

To mark the achievement Dougie Ramsey handed over the obligatory ‘300 Club T-Shirt’ and the Supporters’ Club presented him with a bottle of Champagne and a trophy.

Well done Cheeks, here’s to 300 more...

Shanghai - 4 April 2008

2008-03-14T13:13:00.003Z

The next organised Rock Night in the Social Club take place on 4 April 2008 and features local covers band "Shanghai" taking to the stage with their brand of classic rock.

Entrance to the gig is free for what promises to be an excellent night

Barts - 100 Not out!

2008-03-09T18:45:00.005Z

The month of February saw the Spartans 'keeper Adam Bartlett rack up his 100th appearance for the Spartans. Initially signed as emergency cover for Craig Turns for the Wakefield Emley FA Cup clash, it quickly became apparent that Adam was a sub for nobody!

Spells followed in the USA and Sweden before Barts was installed as the permanent Number One for our first season in the Conference North and has gone from strength to strength since then, with some staggering performances between the sticks. Adam's form has so impressive that he has been called up to several England C squads.

To mark Barts reaching his milestone, Dougie Ramsey presented Adam with his 100 club t-shirt (and a Spartans' cap to go with his England one)

Here's to 100's more Adam...

AWAY SHIRTS - SOLD OUT!

2008-03-07T12:50:00.002Z

Spartans Fans are to note that the, recently reduced, away and third shirts are now all sold out. Due to a change in the away kit for next season we will not be ordering or receiving any more.

Please keep checking www.spartansfans.co.uk for updates / details of the new kit!

Spartans Fans Buy.At

2008-03-06T16:56:00.006Z

A reminder to all Blyth Spartans fans regarding the webshop…

HOW FUNDRAISING WEBSHOPS WORK

The SpartansFans Buy.At link (see the top right of the home page) contains an ever-growing number of retailers such as Thorntons, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. All you have to do is shop online via our webshop - and Blyth Spartans will automatically earn money with every purchase you make!

(For example BT will give you £30 for every BT Total Broadband purchase made via the SpartansFans webshop.)

THE RETAILERS

There are over 100 retailers involved, many of which are household names, such as Teleflorist, Thorntons, Marks & Spencer and many more.

NO PRICE INCREASE

There's no extra cost to you the supporters when you help you fund raise via the webshop. You will pay the same prices as shopping directly with the retailer and there are often discounts exclusive to the webshop. This means shopping online can be secure, quick and beneficial for you and Blyth Spartans.
And remember the more Spartans Fans use the webshop, the more commission Blyth Spartans earns!

There is also a similar facility for those who buy items via www.amazon.co.uk (again see the link at the top right of the page)

Harry Dunn

2008-02-29T15:58:00.003Z

Following the Spartans’ recent upturn in form, our moustachioed leader, Harry Dunn, has been bestowed the honour of being named the Blue Square’s Conference North Manager of the Month for February 2008. As posted previously the Spartans faced six games during the month winning three and drawing the rest.

Well-done Harry (and his magic ‘tache…)

February 08's POTM

2008-02-27T13:49:00.003Z

The month of February finally saw the Spartans get their season up and running, the six games played in month saw the Spartans win three and obtain three draws, with the majority of the games being played against teams higher in the league than ourselves.

The outstanding player for the month, again, went to Chris McCabe. The midfielder played in every game, managed three goals and never received a merit mark of lower than 8 out of 10 in any game, achieving an average mark for the month of 8.17!

The second highest rated player for the month was Andrew Johnson who achieved an average score of 7.75. It is a reflection of the team’s upturn in form that no fewer than 13 players achieved an average score of 7.00 or above for the month.

Well-done Tadger!

Supporters' Club Meeting Minutes

2008-02-15T12:11:00.002Z

Date Of Meeting:
9 Feb 2008

Present:
Bobby Bell, David Wall, Anthony Seghini, Martin Hunter, Jeff Young, Brian Bell, Derek Birdsey and Ian Burt

Apologies:
Andy King, Deborah Wall and Stan Watson

Matters Arising:
- Cost of printing programme professionally still being looked into – BB to report back

Correspondence:
- Various orders from the online shop

Treasurer's Report:
- Healthy bank balance in place with all bills paid

Club Shop:
- Various other items of stock are awaited (small badges, tie-pins, cufflinks, etc)
- Agreement to reduce the cost of away and third shirts to £10 – MH to arrange PA announcement and website update
- VIZ sponsored shorts available at £10.50 – MH to detail on website

Programme:
- BB mentioned that additional help is required for producing programme. For a Saturday game the programme is printed on a Wednesday at c. 7pm and for a Tuesday game it is printed on a Sunday c.5pm

A.O.B.:
- Various options discussed regarding kit for next season, this is to be further discussed at future meetings.
- No current away buses are arranged – MH/AS to look at remaining fixtures to see if there are any viable trips

Date Of Next Meeting:
- 1 March 2008 @ 12.30

Gangsters of Ska (Rescheduled)

2008-02-13T12:27:00.003Z

Spartans Fans are to note that the Gangsters of Ska concert planned for Friday 22 February 2008 has been moved to the Friday 7 March 2008, all tickets that have been purchased will still be valid, but anyone else wish to attend, tickets are available from the Social Club (priced £3)

Football Supporters' Federation

2008-02-13T12:25:00.003Z

The Football Supporters’ Federation have recently set up a North East Branch and by way of an introduction they have arranged a North East Football Supporters’ Night and have invited to supporters of Blyth Spartans to attend. The night will include a brief overview of the work of FSF (they have recently set up a petition against the Premier League’s proposal for a 39th game to be added to the season, which will see English clubs playing league games abroad) and the night will also have a quiz.

The event will be held at Gateshead International Stadium on Tuesday 19 February 2008 at 7.30pm (food and refreshments will be provided).

For more information on the work that the FSF carry out or should you have an issue that you feel is particularly relevant to you and the fans of Blyth Spartans contact details can be found at their website which is www.fsf.org.uk

VIZ Shorts Available

2008-02-11T13:26:00.001Z

Supporters are to note that home shorts with the VIZ logo are now available from the club shop priced at £10.50 each.

Photo courtesy of www.annedonnelly.co.uk/spartans

Away Shirt ... SALE ON!

2008-02-11T13:13:00.000Z

Please note that the current away and third shirts (proudly modelled above by Phil Bell and Kenny Boyle) are now available from the club shop for only £10 each. There are limited sizes and numbers available so get yourself down to the club shop at the next home game to pick up a bargain!