McDonald’s sadness over Blyth demise

FORMER Blyth AFC joint-manager Jon McDonald admitted that the club’s decision to fold left him disappointed and frustrated.

McDonald spent the last year working alongside Ian Skinner and helped the Braves to the Ebac Northern League Division Two title within months of taking charge.

After a busy summer the club boasted an impressive squad containing former FA Vase winners Craig MacFarlane, Adam Forster and Curtis Coppen.

The performances matched the hype as the Braves won their opening four games of the Division One season.

That all came to a shuddering holt when chairman Barry Elliott brought down the curtain on the club’s short but eventful history last week after growing frustrated with a lack of support from the local authorities and community.

Attendances at their temporary home of Ashington’s Woodhorn Lane failed to match the club’s progression and Elliott saw plans to move back to Blyth knocked back by the local council.

Matters came to a head when he wound up the club last Tuesday and McDonald admitted it was frustrating to see that happen.

“The overwhelming emotions are disappointment and frustration,” revealed the former West Allotment Celtic manager.

“We won Division Two at a canter and had a squad capable of achieving great things.

“We had maximum points after four games and I really thought we would compete at the top end of the division and progress in the cups.

“The timing of the decision hasn’t been great as things on the pitch were looking so positive.

“Barry (Elliott) had plans to get back to Blyth but it couldn’t happen for a number of reasons.

“We had confidence something would happen, so to see it end is very sad to say the least.”

McDonald is looking to get back into the game and has received offers from around the North East non-league scene.

“It is a case of waiting for an opportunity to present itself now.

“I want to get straight back in and think I’ve done well on a limited budget at West Allotment, got North Shields to two cup finals and fourth place in Division One and then did well in a short time at Blyth.

“It’s in my blood to coach and manage but I want the right opportunity.”