Nicky vital to Spartans, says Mitch

BLYTH Spartans manager Terry Mitchell has described Nicky Deverdics as ‘vital’ after he committed his future to the National League North club.

The former Gateshead and Barnet midfielder returned to Croft Park after a ten-year absence last summer as Spartans looked to move on from two challenging seasons in non-league’s second tier.

After a promising start under former manager Michael Nelson, the struggles of the previous seasons returned and it took a late-season upturn in form to preserve their National League North status.

There was a positive end to the campaign for Deverdics and his team-mates after they saw off Newcastle United Under-23s to lift the Northumberland Senior Cup.

The experienced midfielder played a key role as he made the final of his 43 appearances at St James Park and Spartans manager Mitchell is keen to see him make a similar impact when the new season gets underway in August.

He told the club website: “He’s been a professional and he’s got that vital experience to help our younger players. He’s versatile and his dead ball delivery is fantastic.

“I’m really happy he’s signed for next season. Nicky’s knows what the club’s about, he knows what it means to the supporters.

“Every time he steps on the pitch he gives you everything.”

There was further good news for Mitchell after highly-rated youngster Matty Dopson also put pen-to-paper on a contract at Croft Park.

The England schoolboys international said: “I’m over the moon to have signed for such a great club with talented teammates. Last season was a great success with the FA Youth Cup run and getting the chance to represent my country with England Schoolboys.

“Next season I’m hoping to get the best out of myself and work hard to help the team as much as possible, especially for our great supporters.”

Spartans returned to pre-season training earlier this week and have a behind-closeddoors game against Sunderland on the first Saturday of July.