Blyth Spartans appoint a new manager

National League North club Blyth Spartans appoint a new manager in Michael Nelson, who replaces the departed boss Lee Clark.

The Northumberland non league side ended the 2019/20 season, which has been cancelled, in 21st position – taking 23 points from 33 games.

Nelson was previously placed in charge of the first-team in March, but now it’s been made permanent.

It will be his first managerial role following a long and successful career in professional football. He has since completed his UEFA A Licence.

Nelson played for such clubs as Bury, Hartlepool United, Norwich City, Scunthorpe, Kilmarnock, Bradford City, Hibernian, Cambridge and Barnet as a player.

He spent six years of his career at Pools, where he made over 300 appearances – including an appearance in the 2005 League One play-off final.

Prior to moving to Croft Park, Nelson was a player-coach at North East rivals Gateshead before becoming assistant manager at League Two side Stevenage.

? Blyth Spartans AFC is delighted to announce Michael Nelson as the club’s new manager!

?️ “I’m extremely delighted to be given the opportunity. It’s a club with a very proud history.”

➡️ https://t.co/0K4yvnb1TG#HowayBlyth pic.twitter.com/exf5qryZQ4

— Blyth Spartans (@Blyth_Spartans) May 1, 2020

Nelson said: “I’m just pleased to get it done, especially with all the uncertainty.

“It was unexpected when it first happened a few months ago but when the coronavirus happened, I’ve been in regular contact with everyone at the club.

“I’ve had meetings and there have been a lot of emails exchanged, so it’s something that we have all been working on together.

“I’m extremely delighted to be given the opportunity. It’s a club with a very proud history.”

Chairman Tony Platten said: “I am pleased to say that we are now addressing matters for next season, whenever that might be.

“Micky has a wealth of experience at all levels of football. He has already started work on the squad he would like for next season.”