Spartans’ FA Cup heroes earn global recognition

Jan 7 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

WELLWISHERS from around the world have congratulated Blyth Spartans on their FA Cup run after they were knocked out of the competition by Blackburn Rovers.

Ian Evans, the club’s general manager, said he had received scores of emails from all over the globe, including some from soldiers in Iraq, commending the non-league side’s efforts.

The team were beaten 1-0 at Croft Park on Monday night but came within millimetres of snatching a dramatic late equaliser and earning a replay.

But despite the defeat, fans remained proud of the efforts of the players and staff and many have contacted the club directly to say so.

Mr Evans said: “It was back down to earth this morning but the response has been brilliant. I must have had well over 40 emails from all over the world. I’ve had them from as far as Canada, America, Australia and Taiwan.

“Troops in Basra have been in touch as well on top of lots of local supporters who were watching on TV. We’ve had people getting in touch since the first game, in truth, and we seem to have picked up thousands of extra fans.”

The Spartans’ next home game is a week on Saturday against Fleetwood Town and Mr Evans said he was hopeful the cup run might draw some of the fans back to Croft Park.

“You hope that some of those extra fans we’ve picked up would come back,” he said.

“Financially it has been brilliant, too. Last night we got £160,000 from Setanta, £9,000 from BBC Radio Five Live and £12,000 for the FA Cup advertising hoardings. There’s £200,000 before we have sold a ticket.”

Mr Evans said Rovers’ chairman John Williams had only good things to say about Blyth.

“I think there’s every chance we might play Blackburn Rovers in a pre-season friendly. The chairman said he had a great day out and thought it was a thoroughly professional outfit.”