EBAC Northern League division 2 club Blyth AFC has announced the signing of former professional goalie Dale Walker as its new goalkeeping coach.
Walker, 42, who is best known for playing for Aldershot Town in the 90’s along with a short spell at Newcastle United in 1993 under Kevin Keegan’s reign, runs his own goalkeeping academy, Actualize Goalkeeping, and has previous Northern League experience coaching teams including West Allotment, Ashington and North Shields.
He said: “Blyth AFC is a very ambitious club and I felt that now was the right time to return to coaching for a Northern League club and I couldn’t be happier to be here. I’m familiar with some of the lads from previous clubs I’ve worked with and am really impressed with the new goal keepers signed – they have all shown great enthusiasm and commitment since pre-season began.
“I always keep my eyes peeled for new talent and strive to bring out the very best in our players to help ensure we have a successful season.”
Blyth AFC joint manager Andy Bowman said: “I have known Dale a while having played with him in the past at Whitley Bay. He is an excellent goal keeping coach with a fantastic reputation and work ethic and we were delighted that he has joined the team.
“It is no secret that we have high expectations for the club and we will be setting targets but we are also excited by the challenge. We have a very strong management and support team behind us now and been working hard on the training schedules and friendlies before the season kicks off.”
Blyth AFC continue playing pre-season friendly matches including taking on Newcastle Benfield July 15 (kick-off 3pm) and Morpeth Town on Thursday, July 20 (kick-off 7pm) at home before heading up to Scotland to play Civil Service Strollers FC in Edinburgh for a 2pm kick-off. They return to the North East to play away against Percy Main on Wednesday, July 26 (kick-off 7pm).
For further updates, follow @BlythAFC on Twitter. A new website www.blythafc.co.uk is currently being updated before the new season.