BLYTH SPARTANS have secured a welcome bit of backing – from the most powerful man on the planet.
The Evo-Stik NPL Premier minnows are being followed on twitter by US president Barack Obama.
Following the club’s fantastic FA Cup run, Tom Wade’s team have the highest of profile new fans – a nod from the White House as well as former Real Madrid and Barcelona star Luis Figo.
Both are now keeping a close eye the club’s fortunes on the social media site and Wade says their new followers are evidence Spartans’ adventures this season have taken the club to a worldwide audience.
Obama has over 53 million twitter followers, while Figo was also impressed by their run which saw Blyth beat League Two neighbours Hartlepool before bravely going down 3-2 to Birmingham City in the third round earlier this month.
Wade said: “I am on twitter, and although I’m not as regular as a lot of people I do know how powerful it can be and what a big thing it is for football these days.
“I am aware Barack Obama is following the club. He doesn’t follow me quite yet but he does our official account which isn’t too bad!
“To have the president of the United States on your side is quite special. It’s fair to say not many Non-League clubs can claim they’ve got probably the most influential world leader taking a look at what they’re doing.”
Their latest Cup run produced plenty of pick-me-ups, aside from their A List twitter following
But Wade confessed their rather public good form brings interest in the team’s top performers and means he could be about to lose the spine of his side – even his son!
Midfielder Matt Wade and team-mates Jordan Watson and Ryan Hutchinson spent the week across the border on trial with Scottish Championship club Alloa Athletic.
Wade senior added: “We’re not far from Scotland up here and there seems to be an awful lot of Non-League players heading up there so I suppose, due to the focus on us and the fantastic performances the players have put on, it was only a matter of time.
“I’m pleased for them all but of course it shows the other side of the success, what happens when your doors are opened to the world.
“The three boys are on a good wage for the club, so if we lose them it will be difficult to find replacements but that’s life at this end of the game.
“Forgetting he’s my son, I am pleased for Matty. It’s nice for him to be recognised because even after two years he still gets a lot of unfair stick from some because his old man’s the manager. This proves he’s not a bad player after all.”
One player not off yet is second round hero Jarrett Rivers. Oldham Athletic will continue to monitor his progress after he returned from a trial without clinching a contract.
