Blyth Town FC sign former Newcastle United Academy coach

Doug Thorburn has been appointed as head coach at the division two club.

Owner of Professional Training Coaching (PFC), Thorburn was head coach at NUFC’s Academy from 1996-2014, working alongside Peter Beardsley as well as gaining valuable knowledge alongside John Carver, Glen Roeder, Kenny Wharton, Joe Joyce, Alan Irving and Richard Money to name a few.

Previously a coach at Blyth Town when they won the Northern Alliance three successive seasons, the success of his career has seen his expertise and coaching business expand to help clubs all over Europe including Germany, Norway and Malta.

“It is great to be back in Blyth coaching the lads in a new league,” he said.

“The attacking quality and the strength of the squad we have now is rich but can only get better.

“We need to be able to walk before we can run and really find our feet this season in a new league competing against very strong teams.

“Only then can we really concentrate on promotion and climbing into the next division and higher leagues.

“I would be over the moon if by the end of the season we reached a high enough position to be able to qualify for the FA Cup rounds. That would be a great achievement.

“All we can do as management is work hard with the team, get the best out of them, watch out for more talent and keep focused on where we ultimately want to be.

“It is not just the players that dream about getting up that football pyramid, but everyone involved.”

Town manager Mick Connor said it is a “great honour” to work alongside Thorburn and he will gain valuable experience from him.

“Doug is a fantastic coach not only to the team – he has been an amazing mentor to me and is helping make me a stronger manager with his invaluable advice,” said Connor.

“I wasn’t here when he was the first time around, so to get him back at this stage was a huge win for us, and his coaching skills are apparent within the squad already.

“The lads not only work harder, their commitment and passion for our shared vision is stronger than ever and they have very positive attitudes.

“Doug believes in them and they believe in themselves, and its beginning to show in their game.

“He is very much an important figure within our management staff and we hope he will continue pass on his experience to the players.”

Thorburn’s qualifications include UEFA B coaching licence, Level 2 Coaching Certificate and FA Youth Coach Award.

Blyth Town are away to Heaton Stannington on Saturday, November 12, before travelling to South Shields on Tuesday, November 15.

Each Blyth Town home game is £6 entry on the door with concessions available by emailing [email protected]

For further updates and information about Blyth Town FC first team, visit www.blythtownfirstteam.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @BlythTownFCFT