Blyth
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Blyth AFC
EBAC Northern League Division Two team Blyth AFC enjoyed their first run
in the league last season reaching 8th position, a feat that manager Michael
Connor said was a ‘huge learning curve’.
Now, with a simplified name (from their previous ‘Blyth Town FC First Team’
mouthful), a rebranded club badge and eight new recruits and counting,
Football Focus Magazine caught up with Michael to find out more of what
we could expect from the ambitious club this season.
He said: “There is a lot of change
this season compared to last. Firstly,
the shortening of the team
name is simply to avoid
confusion about the
different clubs and
teams who share
the grounds at
South Newsham,
Blyth, as well
as to be less of a
mouthful.
“It is about
identity so we
hope the new name
and brand will help
people differentiate a
little more to understand
that we are a stand-alone club
from Blyth Town Football Club – we
just ground share with them.”
Images courtesy of J. Hardesty Images
64 Issue 73
The FA Charter Standard Club was
established in 2015 after chairman
Barry Elliott had a chance
to fulfil his long-term
vision to see a football
team from his home
town play in the
Football
League
Division 2 (as a
minimum). After
approaching
Blyth
Town
Football Club, he
was delighted that
they supported the
ambition and with
an investment up to
£500,000 in its grounds
and facilities, it achieved the
Grade H standard required by the
FA for his new team to accept promotion
from the Northern Alliance League into
the EBAC Northern League.
The investment included building
a new flood-lit training ground, pitch
upgrade and upgrades to the changing
rooms, along with improvements to the
club house facilities so that all teams and
visitors who came to the grounds could
enjoy their time.
“We are proud of our affiliation with
all teams in Blyth,” he continued. “If
any team in any club can achieve a bit
of success for the town, that’s fantastic.
And ground sharing also helps join
communities and support for all teams
who play.”
Ending in 8th position in their first
season in EBAC Northern League
Division Two, Blyth AFC qualified for
the FA competitions in the 2017/18
season,
an
accomplishment
the