The club was originally formed in1899 and its name was suggested by the first club secretary, Mr. Fred Stoker, who thought that the name of the Spartan Greek Army would perhaps inspire the players to emulate their namesakes and strive manfully for victory on the field of play. more...
In early days the team played only friendly matches before joining the Northumberland League in 1901. Their first recorded honour was a league success in 1901, followed by further victories in 1905/06 and 1906/07. The club then joined the Northern Alliance, remaining there for six seasons, winning the league in 1908/09 and 1912/13. During this time the club moved to its present location, Croft Park.
In 1913 the club advanced into the ranks of the semi-professionals in the North Eastern League and remained there until that league closed in 1958. The strong competition meant that honours were restricted to winning the league in 1936/7 and the League Cup in seasons 1950 and 1955.
After the closure of the North Eastern League the club appeared for a short time in the Midland league and the Northern Counties league, both stays ending when the leagues collapsed. In the early 1960s the club appeared in a revived North Eastern League, doing quite well until a series of problems forced the demise of that league.
The club was now at a loss for a suitable semi-professional league and in 1964 decided to turn amateur and join the ranks of the Northern League.
During the 29 years the club were members their record was second to none, winning the Championship on 10 occasions and being runners-up 5 times. However a new regime at the club was keen to progress up the league pyramid and a successful effort ended with promotion to the UniBond League in the 1993/94 season.
The club’s first ever season in the UniBond League was memorable, winning the Division championship and the Unifilla Cup. Since gaining promotion the club has held its own in the Premier division, finishing 6th and 7th in its first two seasons. These seasons also saw an FA Cup win at Bury and the winning of the President’s Cup. Season 1997/98 was disappointing and is best remembered for an unlucky defeat 4-3 at Blackpool in the FA Cup.
In season 2005/06 Harry Dunn and his assistant Graham Fenton continued making further landmarks in the Spartans’ history by winning the UniBond Chairman’s Cup, the Peter Swales Memorial Shield and the coveted UniBond Premier championship, and as our ground was up to ”Conference entry”, a place in the Conference North.
The history of Blyth Spartans is not complete without reference to the team’s FA Cup exploits. Having beaten a number of league clubs over the years the club reached the 5th round of the FA Cup in 1977/78. After beating Chesterfield and Stoke City the club drew 1-1 with Wrexham before losing 2-1 in a replay at St James’s Park, Newcastle, watched by a crowd of 42,167! Yes 42,167!
The club has also supplied over 100 players to football League clubs, and has had six players selected to play for the England semi-professional team.- Dave Clarke, Peter Robinson, Les Mutrie, Paul Walker, Dave Buchanan and Keith Houghton.
The stadium has a long and rich history – and there have been many recent improvements to ground, and stadium in general, including a new covered stand at the south end and enhanced provision for disabled access to the main stand, as well as new turnstiles and better terracing surfaces.
Noth Stand - Croftway End
East Stand - Port Of Blyth Stand
West Stand - Fed Shed
South Stand - Carlsberg Stand
The following fans have contributed to this club's ground guide entry:
