Takeover deal agreed for Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans have won just two of their 12 league games so far this season

Blyth Spartans have announced that a deal has been agreed for a group led by local businessman Martin Trinder to take over the club.

Earlier this month, the club's chairman Irfan Liaquat revealed that he was looking to sell, and that discussions with a potential buyer were under way.

Spartans are bottom of the Northern Premier League Premier Division following their relegation last season and had to postpone their last two home games following the resignation of club volunteers.

The newly-formed group led by Trinder, known as Blyth Spartans CIC 2024, will officially take over on Friday 1 November.

Fans boycotted their FA Trophy defeat against Stockton in their last match at Croft Park in protest at Liaquat’s running of the club.

The subsequent departure of club secretary Colin Blackett and general manager Bryan Turner, prevented their matches against Gainsborough Trinity and FC United of Manchester from going ahead.

Liaquat installed former Newcastle winger Nolberto Solano as manager in May but the Peruvian’s reign ended after Spartans failed to win any of their opening five matches this season, with former Brighton & Hove Albion, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday keeper David Stockdale taking over after initially being placed in interim charge.

"I am filled with a mix of emotions," outgoing chairman Liaquat told the club website. "It has been an incredible journey leading this football club.

"I took on an enormous challenge two days before the club got relegated last season, and given the circumstances and financial position we inherited, I am extremely proud of some of my team’s achievements in the very short space of time we had."