The Quireboys to rock Blyth Spartans

Dec 23 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

GIANT-KILLING Blyth Spartans should be in fine tune for their FA Cup campaign.

The Croft Park club has won the support of rockers The Quireboys to record a new anthem before their clash with Premier League side Blackburn Rovers next month.

Blyth-born guitarist Paul Guerin began to pen the song with frontman Spike when Spartans booted Bournemouth out last week.

And in traditional style, the players are expected to take to the microphones on the single when they hit the studio today.

Three versions are likely to be recorded, each bidding to make the final cut for download by fans.

Music journalist Simon Rushworth, 34, who grew up in the town, came up with the idea and approached Guerin – who didn’t have to think twice. Rushworth said: “I lived in Blyth until I was 16 and used to go and watch Spartans. Over the years, I got to know Paul and The Quireboys and we would talk about the team and Blyth, remembering the 1978 cup run.

“It will be the official song to run out to on the night and after that we are going to use it every weekend.”

The anthem will be recorded at Blast studio in Ouseburn, Newcastle, and any proceeds will go to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Guerin, whose grandad Tommy Handley played for Blyth in the 1920s, said his mother cried when she heard her son was writing the song.

“We’re absolutely over the moon we are doing it. It’s a song for the fans and the team. We are definitely using, ‘We are the mighty Blyth Spartans and we’re going to Wembley’.

Club spokesman Phil Cassidy said: “For them to honour us in that way is great for the club and the town.”