LUKE WHO’S IN AT DAD’S RIVALS
Son of Blyth boss joins Heed
IT’S A family affair! A former Spartan whose father is manager at Blyth has linked up with arch-rivals Gateshead – his Dad’s hometown club.
Young Middlesbrough striker Luke Armstrong, son of Blyth boss Alun, has given Gateshead a boost by joining the National League club on a season-long loan.
Armstrong, 22, made a goalscoring debut in the Heed’s 4-1 friendly win over Morpeth Town in midweek. The former Birmingham City trainee re-joined Middlesbrough after scoring 23 league goals in Blyth’s 2016-17 NPL Premier title win.
After a year leading the line for Boro’s U23s, Armstrong is back in senior football – and with his Dad’s blessing.
“I would have loved Luke to come back to Blyth on loan,” said Alun, 43, a talented striker with the likes of Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough.
Roots
“But I also want him to play at the highest level and I’m delighted it’s with Gateshead as they are my hometown club. You never forget your roots and I’m sure he will score goals and do well on Tyneside.
“It’s another step up in his career. Gateshead have had a difficult spell off the field and it’s been tough for the manager Steve Watson but it’s starting to come together.”
Armstrong junior will go up against Armstrong senior on Saturday when the final pre-season friendly pits Blyth against the Heed at Croft Park.
Following in your father’s footsteps is never easy for any footballer, particularly when you play the same position, but Armstrong junior is relishing the challenge.
“My Dad played at the highest level so obviously I take as much advice off him as possible, he had a great career,” said Luke.
“Coming to Gateshead is a great move for me. I’m playing for a good club and a good manager, one who was a youth coach at Birmingham when I was there.
“The National League is two leagues up from the one I did well in at Blyth, but I back myself and always set a target of 20 goals.
“I had a six-month trial period at Gateshead when I was a teenager. I didn’t get a chance – but I have now and it’s one I intend to take.”
Strengthen
Gateshead entered the third week ahead of the new season without a forward on their books, but they now have two. Muchtravelled striker Scott Boden put pen-to-paper on Friday, the Heed looking to further strengthen their squad before next month’s big kick-off.
Boden, who has played 150 games in the Football League, the majority with National League newcomers Chesterfield, has joined his eighth professional club.
The last two years at Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Wrexham have seen the goals dry up, but the 28-year-old is keen to get back on track.
“It’s been a poor 24 months for me and I need to rediscover my mojo at Gateshead,” Boden said. “It’s a big year for me and hopefully we’ll surprise a few people.
“It’s been a bit crazy in recent years playing in England, Scotland and Wales, but I have scored goals in the Football League and the Conference. There are a lot of young lads at Gateshead who are technically good players. Hopefully I can add some experience and goals.”