Ex-Newcastle winger appointed as New Head Coach for Leading Non_ League Club
Nolberto Solano Appointed Manager of Blyth Spartans: A New Chapter for the Non-League Side
Former Newcastle United winger Nolberto “Nobby” Solano took the reins as manager of Blyth Spartans in May 2025, marking a bold and ambitious move by the non-league club. The Peruvian football legend was brought in on a 12-month contract following the team’s relegation from the National League North to the Northern Premier League. Solano, well-known in the North East for his successful spell at Newcastle in the Premier League, was tasked with revitalizing the club’s fortunes and guiding them back up the football pyramid.
The appointment was facilitated by Blyth’s sporting director Steve Howard, a former professional player himself, who saw in Solano not just a big name, but a tactically astute leader with international experience. Solano brought with him a diverse coaching background, having managed clubs in Peru and served as assistant coach for the Peruvian national team during their 2018 World Cup campaign. He had also taken on coaching roles in Sweden and Canada, adding a global flavor to his managerial résumé.
Solano’s arrival was met with enthusiasm by fans and media alike. In his introductory press conference, he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to work in English football once more and emphasized his commitment to building a strong, competitive squad. He outlined a vision of attacking football with technical flair, influenced by his South American roots, while also maintaining the hard-working ethos expected in English non-league football.
Blyth Spartans hoped that Solano’s stature and network in the game could attract talented players and reignite local support. His reputation from his playing days, especially among Newcastle United supporters, added a layer of excitement and credibility to the club’s project. Solano himself spoke fondly of his connection to the North East, saying he considered it a second home and was eager to give back to the community.
Despite the optimism, Solano’s tenure proved to be challenging. The club struggled to find form at the start of the 2024–25 season, failing to register a win in his first six matches. Blyth suffered heavy defeats, including a 5–2 loss to Worksop Town and a 4–1 setback against local rivals Morpeth Town. The poor run of results put immediate pressure on the new manager, and by the end of August 2024, the club announced his departure by mutual consent.
Assistant manager David Stockdale was appointed as interim boss while the club began its search for a permanent replacement. Solano’s brief spell at Blyth ended in disappointment, but the club acknowledged his professionalism and thanked him for his efforts during a difficult transition period.
While results on the pitch didn’t meet expectations, Solano’s appointment brought national attention to Blyth Spartans and highlighted the growing ambition among non-league clubs. His brief time in charge serves as a reminder of the challenges in football management, even for those with world-class playing experience.
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