LIAQUAT HAS BIG SHOES TO FILL
Local reporter MARK CARRUTHERS outlines the challenges that face the new Blyth Spartans owner
HOPE, belief, pride and ambition are the emotions in which football supporters at all levels of the game hold close to their hearts.
But for Blyth Spartans in recent years, perennial strugglers at the wrong end of the National League North table, saved only by either Covid-curtailed seasons or results plucked out of nowhere in the final weeks of the campaign, all four emotions have felt conspicuous by their absence.
In this small corner of south-east Northumberland, where a visit to their famous Croft Park home has always felt like an occasion, desperation was the overriding feeling for large parts of that time as opposition routinely came away with maximum reward from a venue notorious for being ‘one of those awkward grounds’.
Yet, in a region built on being at the coal face or in the shipyards, supporters showed their own industrious nature by continuing to back their side against the odds in the hope and belief things could get better. So, there should be little surprise that the recently announced takeover by a local businessman could provide the spark for an improvement in fortunes.
Former chairman Tony Platten and vice-chairman Kevin Scott brought an emotional end to nearly quarter of a century guiding Spartans on Wednesday when they announced the agreement of a takeover deal with Tyneside businessmen Irfan Liaquat.
The departing duo have not always been popular – nor have some of the decisions they have made – but they have always tried to act in the best interests of the club, routinely stating their longterm future and ensuring Spartans are here for generations to come has always been their aim.
Scrutiny and cynicism over the new owners and their plans is healthy and in over a decade of working in the northeast media, I have found maintaining that stance is sensible. It is down to the new team in charge to show they are worthy custodians of a truly historic club with actions, not buzz words or phrases.
That should not be seen as a criticism, it is far from it, but the element of mystery about the new owner and his team will only be washed away with actions on and off the pitch and by showing the same sense of integrity and responsibility displayed by their predecessors over the last 24 years.
They now hold the great responsibility to ensure Spartans move forwards in a sensible, sustainable and structured manner, where the supporters and local community can remain proud of a football club that means so much to their town. That is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, or cast aside in favour of personal gain or profile building. They are now accountable to themselves, their supporters and everyone with Blyth Spartans close to their hearts.
Once again, it is actions, not words that are needed.