Longtime Spartans supporter Scott Hunter is in the hot seat for this week’s Fan Q&A – as we build up to the opening day of the 2026/27 season!
When did you first start supporting the club and why?
My first memories of supporting the club started in the mid 90s, my Mams side of the family are from Blyth, and my uncle Stan would take me to the games. Watching players like Richie Bond and a favourite of mine, for one reason or another, Willie Moat.
How are you feeling about the changes on and off the pitch at the club in the last 12 months or so?
Considering the lows we have had over the past few years it has been a long way back to provide stability to the club again, but that is something I feel is in place now. In turn this has allowed us to bring former players & better quality players to the club, which I think will prove to be the turning point for us in the coming season.
How would summarise the impact that Nashy and Woody have had on the club?
These two have come in and completely changed our fortune on the pitch. Most importantly, assembled a squad that is playing for the badge, the organisation and structure we now have on and off the pitch coincided with the appointment of them.
Without doubt it feels like any success we may have in the coming years will heavily be due to the commitment and management skills that Nashy & Woody have.
In terms of away days, what would you your top 3 of all time are?
One is very close to home but it’s away nonetheless, South Shields away on Boxing Day 2023, me and my eldest will remember that one for a long time. Beating Shields back to back put us in a great place in the NLN at the time.
In more recent times I feel like Bishop Auckland last season was a great atmosphere and things slotted into place very nicely that day.
Brighouse, the game wasn’t the greatest of displays but it was a very important win and a good day out, there is a photo of me that day expressing my passion for the winning goal. Ask me this question at the end of the season when we have gained promotion!
Who would you say your current favourite player is and why?
Ewan McGowan, he plays in a very similar way to his brother, carries the ball very well, provides that bit of magic and quality in the final 3rd that I think we need to unlock defences and provide opportunities for our attackers.
Surprisingly he seems to be putting a lot of effort in tracking back and putting a tackle in as well.
Paul Van is a close second, last season he scored some really important goals, hopefully he can achieve similar stats this season, I would say he is generally a fan favourite throughout the fan base.
Who do you think has been the best signing of the summer so far and why?
I would have to say Ollie Martin, not only due to the players ability but I feel it’s important to bring players with winning mentality to the club, with the recent success he has had at Hebburn, that experience can only benefit the young squad that we have, similar to the importance in signing Jack Foalle last season.
Who do you think is going to have a breakout season and why?
Lucas Taylor, for me he looks like someone who is out there to prove a point. Early signs it looks like he is growing in confidence & with the quality he clearly has I feel this will be a season he scores & assists a lot more than people may expect.
I’d also say Rio, I think he can similarly provide goals & assists for us this season above expectations.
What are your expectations for this season, on the pitch?
I feel like the minimum aim for this season should be a place in the playoffs. If you take into account the stability of the club, along with the management and squad that is now in place, it feels like now is the time to make sure Blyth Spartans are put back on the map for all the right reasons.
What’s your favourite things about supporting the club – and what keeps you coming back?
The club in recent years holds a massive place in my heart, back in 2019 I brought my boys to Croft Park regularly and after a few games, more specifically my oldest son Ethan become hooked, soon after, my youngest son Jenson was the same. I’m sure he is now the Fabrizio Romano of non league football, he tends to know transfers before even I do.
Anyways, for me it’s the love me and my boys have for the club and the friendships we have made following the club. Croft Park is defiantly our second home, if not our first.
Lastly, where do you see the club being in 5 years time?
Without sounding too ambitious, I don’t see why we can’t compete back in the National League North.
If you look at the clubs in that league, especially from the North East, there is no reason why we can’t aim that high. One thing for sure, our club is far too big to be playing in the Northern PL East.
Lastly from me, i have been known to say I’ll take a draw, not this season, I’d like us to win all our home games and go unbeaten this season, no pressure Nashy & Woody.
