TIMING ANGERS JON IN BLYTH’S DEMISE

FORMER Blyth AFC joint-manager Jon McDonald has told of his frustration over the timing of the club’s decision to fold.

Chairman Barry Elliott brought down the curtain on the club’s short but eventful history this week after growing frustrated with a lack of support from the local authorities and community.

Since forming in 2015, the Braves secured promotion from the Step 7 Northern Alliance, won the Northern League Division Two title and began this season with four wins in four games.

That came on the back of a busy summer in the transfer market as McDonald and fellow joint-manager Ian Skinner persuaded the likes of former FA Vase winners like Craig MacFarlane, Curtis Coppen and Adam Forster to join the club.

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, prompting the club to be wound up last Tuesday.

“The overwhelming emotions are disappointment and frustration,” revealed the former North Shields manager.

“We won Division Two at a canter and had a squad capable of achieving great things after a positive summer in the transfer market.

“Pre-season went well and we got the players we wanted.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 because things on the pitch were looking so positive.”

McDonald, as well as a number of the playing squad, have been contacted by prospective new clubs but the coboss is keen to return as a number one.

“I’ve had offers from clubs but it was as a coach, rather than a manager,” the 41-yearold said. “It’s in my blood to manage but I want the right opportunity.