Blow for Spartans as midfielder Hopson returns to Seasiders

BLYTH Spartans have been dealt a blow with attacking midfielder Dale Hopson returning to former club Whitby Town.

Hopson, Blyth’s record signing, scored 12 goals in 39 starts during his one season at Croft Park, and was a kingpin from the penalty spot.

The Teessider had been linked to a move to York City, who made a move for the 25-year-old during last season.

Hopson remained at Blyth and was one of Spartans’ key offensive players in the 2017/18 campaign.

He has dropped down a division to rejoin Whitby along with former Blyth midfield man David McTiernan.

Spartans manager Alun Armstrong was disappointed to lose Hopson, who has returned to Whitby for an undisclosed fee, but now finds himself with some financial flexibility.

Armstrong said: “Hopson was a bIg signing for us last summer and is a fantastic talent as we saw last season.

“Obviously we didn’t want to lose a player of his quality, and it’s disappointing.

“But extra work commitments and travelling up to training twice a week and for matches proved just too much for him.

“It’s his decision and we have to respect that. The deal has opened up a portion of the playing budget to help get other deals we’ve done already over the line.”

Hopson is the second Blyth player to leave Croft Park this week with full-back Andrew Cartwright taking up a coaching post in Australia.