North East non-league legend confirms Blyth Spartans exit - and marks farewell with medical emergency heroics

One of North East non-league football’s most recognisable figures is set to say farewell to the club he has become synonymous with throughout his long career.

For best part of the last 17 years, Blyth Spartans forward Robbie Dale has mesmerised defenders in the Northern Premier League and National League North.

He has claimed a number of honours during his long spell with the Croft Park club including two Northern Premier League titles and appearing in the FA Cup third round on two separate occasions.

Dale has also lifted two Northumberland Senior Cup wins during his time with Spartans - and could add a third on Thursday night when the National League North club face Newcastle United Under-23s at St James Park.

Regarded by some as the best player to have never played in the Football League, Dale could make his final Spartans appearance in Saturday’s season-ending visit to Gloucester City as he looks to add to a stunning record of 219 goals in a club record 719 appearances.

His achievements were also recognised by the Northern Premier League in 2018 when Dale was voted as the second greatest player to have played in the 50 years of the league.

Only Leicester City and England striker Jamie Vardy kept him off the top spot after shining for the likes of FC Halifax Town and Stocksbridge Park Steels in the formative years of his career.

Dale’s final appearance at Croft Park came on Monday as Spartans celebrated a 1-0 win against Curzon Ashton thanks to a goal from former Newcastle United youngster Lewis McNall.

The game was paused when a Spartans supporter took ill and both Dale and team-mate Nicky Deverdics helping medical staff carry him on a stretcher after he received treatment.

It was later confirmed that the supporter had been discharged from hospital and had been given the all-clear.

It was not the first time Dale has played such a role after a similar incident when a Gateshead supporter took ill during a derby between the two sides over Christmas.

It is another reason why the long-serving forward has been taken to the hearts of Spartans supporters around the North East and beyond.

He has represented their club with honour and class - and he will be a miss following his departure from Croft Park.

Dale confirmed the news in a post on Facebook saying: “That was my final home game for Blyth.

“I told the club a few months ago that I wasn’t staying on.

“My aim was to help the club in the league and job done.

“Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday playing that deep role and loved the clean sheet.”

Far from an announcement that he would be retiring, Dale seems likely to continue his career away from Spartans - but it will be unusual to see him wearing something other than those famous green and white stripes when the new season gets underway.