We secured an investor and new chairman for Blyth Spartans A.F.C. Blyth Spartans Association Football Club Limited was formed in 1899, joining the second-oldest league in world football. The Spartans currently play in seventh tier National League North. Its 4,435 capacity stadium, Croft Park, was established in 1909 and hosts “Green Army” home games. The historic southeast Northumberland town of Blyth has seen its beloved football team win a variety of regional trophies throughout its early and long history, climbing as high as the sixth tier in modern football times – to the Conference League North, after winning the 2016-17 Northern Premier League Premier Division. The club is most famous for its 1977-78 FA Cup run, in which the non-league team impressively reached the fifth round, losing 1-2 in a replay match to Wrexham which was played at Newcastle United’s stadium, St. James’ Park to a sold-out crowd. Spartans fans who acquired high-demands tickets for the first game at the Racecourse Ground, and those who saw their local heroes on the BBC, still dispute a contentious late equaliser after a corner was ordered to be retaken, which resulted in a replay. Wrexham’s victory over Newcastle United in the fourth round denied Blyth a tie against its northeast neighbours, and the Spartans subsequently missed out on a home draw in the quarter finals to now-record-holders Arsenal, who finished eventual runners-up after losing 0-1 to Ipswich Town in the final. The present Blyth Spartans board recently decided to seek further investment to facilitate growth of the long-standing club, seeking the help of Knightsbridge Commerical’s trusted services. Knightsbridge Deal Executive Jennifer Morley explained the club’s appeal and unique selling points: “Blyth Spartans is a renowned football club with a wide variety of tickets and hospitality packages, alongside its social club.” “It has over thirty local and national companies working to promote their brands on the pitch and enjoys peppercorn rent.” Substantial interest was generated, and investment for the club was ultimately secured with the acquisition of its new Chairman, Irfan Liaquat, a Tyneside-based businessman that recently formed Winners Worldwide. Irfan addressed the Blyth Spartans fanbase in a press conference, labelling the club as “the most famous non-league club in the world” – a tagline which has been used by many. “We are surrounded by a fantastic community. We want to get out of this tier as a matter of urgency”, Irfan continued. “We will spend money but we won’t spend it like it’s going out of fashion. We know what we need to do and we will get to work instantly. There are exciting times ahead and you will see exactly what we need to do. “I’ve been here as a fan and it took me five minutes to decide this is what I want. I’m looking forward to engaging with supporters.” Irfan has since appointed former Premier League striker Steve Howard as the club’s new sporting director, who notably played for Luton Town, Derby County and Leicester City. Blyth were sadly relegated in the months ahead, but many remain optimistic about its future, having recently appointed ex-Newcastle United star and Peruvian international Nolberto ‘Nobby’ Solano as their new manager, who also played in the Premier League for Aston Villa and West Ham. Knightsbridge wishes the very best of luck to Blyth Spartans in the upcoming seasons and its quest to reach the top leagues of English football.
