Spartans’ old boy Nicholson’s return to Croft Park delights boss

BLYTH Spartans have made their first move of the summer by taking defender Alex Nicholson back to Croft Park.

The former Newcastle United youngster returns to South East Northumberland from South Shields after helping the Mariners to two consecutive promotions.

He played a part in the Mariners’ historic quadruple in 2017 and leaves Mariners Park after appearing 55 times for the club.

Nicholson joined Spartans after being released by Preston North End in 2014 and was part of the squad which reached the FA Cup third round in his first season at the club.

He now returns to Croft Park and fills a hole created by David Atkinson’s departure to Icelandic club IBV. Spartans’ boss Alun Armstrong said Nicholson’s versatility was a major factor in his signing. He said: “I said at the time Alex left the club I did not want him to go, so I am delighted to welcome him back into the squad.”

“He adds strength to our back four and he is capable of playing in multiple positions - which is something we have to look for in a player at the moment.

“With Atkinson going to Iceland we needed to bring in another rightback and that is what we have done.”

Armstrong is already working on more new faces to his squad and is believed to be close to concluding more signings in the coming days.