DAN STEPS UP TO BECOME THE LIONS’ BRIGHT SPART

INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE TROPHY FINAL PREVIEW

A4-1 FA Trophy defeat at Witton Albion in September 2012 may seem like an unmemorable day for Blyth Spartans supporters. But they were given a first sighting of a striker signed from Step 7 Seaton Delaval Amateurs who would go on to play a major role in the club’s renaissance.

The Spartans were 3-0 down at Wincham Park as the youngster made his way on to the pitch – they were lacking in energy and enthusiasm. He, however, brought that in abundance and despite not grabbing a debut goal, was the only positive from a dark day.

Fast-forward five years and that young striker has gone on to score 115 goals in 172 appearances for the Croft Park club. Not bad for a player that thenSpartans boss Tommy Cassidy admitted he “knew nothing about”.

Now Dan Maguire is within days of making his England C debut and had more goals than any other player in the three National League divisions this season ahead of this weekend. He looks back to those dark days and believes he took strength from performing in adversity.

“I knew nothing of the teams we were playing and didn’t really pay much attention” admitted the 24-year-old.

Breakthrough

“We were struggling and I’d trained but hadn’t had a chance. I was considering leaving, going to the Northern League, but I kept at it, I learnt from the likes of Stephen Turnbull and Robbie Dale.

“I think the club grew stronger because of what we went through back then.”

Cassidy left Spartans within a week of that defeat at Wincham Park and in came Paddy Atkinson with Tom Wade as his assistant manager.

Within six months, Wade was promoted to number one and suddenly Maguire’s career was allowed to take off under a manager he had known since his days as a county player.

“Tom was massive for me. He knew how to read me and the rest of the players, that is Tom’s greatest strength,” he added.

“He gave me my chance at Blyth, he pushed me on and I owe him a lot for the impact he had on my career.”

In 2013-14, he was a regular in the Spartans line-up and plundered 27 goals in 50 games. The following season was a real breakthrough for Maguire and a newlook Spartans side.

The club saw off the likes of Darlington, Altrincham and Hartlepool United to make it to the FA Cup third round, where they were bravely beaten by Championship side Birmingham City. The club built on that run but nearly lost their star striker. A change in his worklife saw an aborted move to FC Halifax Town so Maguire returned to Croft Park and went from strength-tostrength. Last season, Spartans romped to promotion into the National League North under new manager Alun Arm-

strong, with Maguire scoring 37 goals in all competitions. They sit comfortably in the play-off places and Maguire has taken to life at Step 2 with consummate ease.

Upwards

Now he is ready for international recognition and believes he has more to give. “I can’t wait for Slovakia” enthused Maguire. “I want to play alongside the best and I want to get there with Spartans if possible. I have started the season well and we have to be looking upwards now.

“We would be silly to not do that. I can still get better and it’s down to Spartans, to Tom and to Alun, they have helped me to get my chance and I hope I can repay them.”

For Spartans and their new England C star, that dark day at Wincham Park must feel a long time ago.