By Jon Couch
JON SHAW has a new job for the New Year at Blyth Spartans – and there’s three more managerial vacancies up for grabs just down the road in the National League North.
Shaw, 40, has hung up his playing boots to take over the reins at Spartans after they surprisingly axed popular boss Graham Fenton just hours after he had steered his side to a derby victory over South Shields on Boxing Day.
It ended a turbulent week of sackings on the north-east after that defeat for the Mariners brought an end to Julio Arca’s eight-month reign in charge, while neighbours and National League North rivals Darlington also parted company with Josh Gowling.
Shaw, the former Burton Albion, Halifax Town and Gateshead striker, agreed to take charge of the Spartans until the end of the 2024-25 season.
“It’s a really proud day for me becoming manager of a club with the history of Blyth Spartans,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the club for giving me my first opportunity in management and I can’t wait to get going and I will give everything to put out teams you can be proud of.
“I also want to wish Graham, who I’ve had two great spells as assistant and learnt a lot from all the very best for the future.”
Former Sunderland star Arca took his first steps in management when succeeding his ex-Black Cats teammate Kevin Phillips at South Shields during the summer.
The Argentinean, 42, led the Mariners to a solid start in their first season at Step 2 but a recent slump in form has led to speculation about his future at the 1st Cloud Arena. On his departure from the club on Wednesday, alongside assistant Tommy Miller, the Mariners stated: “Julio has been one of the main catalysts of the club’s growth over the last eight-and-a-half years and will always be regarded as a club legend. We regret that his time as first-team manager has come to an end, but this decision has been made as a result of on-pitch performances and results over the last six weeks. Julio, Tommy and their families will always be welcome at 1st Cloud Arena.”
Gowling, left, meanwhile, left Darlington after this week just three months in charge with the Quakers lying second from bottom of the table after just three wins in 16 games.
Former boss Martin Gray said he would take on the role for free until the end of the season but, according to the Northern Echo, the club have rejected his offer.
And interim boss Lewis Dickman became the fourth National League North manager in the North East to depart on Saturday when his three-month spell in charge of Spennymoor Town was brought to an end.
