DAVID STOCKDALE is back in football after his York City exit in April, moving into a new position at Blyth Spartans. 

After beginning his career with York in the year 2000, Stockdale would go on to enjoy an impressive career that included a stint in the Premier League, alongside EFL promotions with Brighton & Hove Albion, Wycombe Wanderers and most recently Sheffield Wednesday. 

Once Stockdale had aided Sheffield Wednesday in their return to the Sky Bet Championship, he opted to return to his boyhood club in York, making the move into a dual position of both a player and Head of Recruitment. 

His impact as a player on his return was unfortunately minimal, with an early injury in the season during a 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town seeing Stockdale side lined for the next three months, only featuring in the Emirates FA Cup for the remainder of the campaign. 

Stockdale primarily worked in his recruitment role under all three of Mikey Morton, Neal Ardley and Adam Hinshelwood, before the latter decided to part ways with the 38-year-old. 

Now a free agent, Stockdale teased a return to focusing on playing on his social media X account, but has instead taken a coaching position at Blyth. 

David Stockdale made seven appearances in all competitions for York City last season. (Image: Tom Poole)

Stockdale has been appointed as former Newcastle United footballer Nobby Solano's right-hand man, working as assistant manager at the North-East based club. 

Blyth suffered relegation from the Vanarama National League North on the finald ay of the 2023/24 season, and have found pre-season difficult, which included a 7-0 defeat to Vanarama National League unit Gateshead. 

Stockdale will also have the opportunity to work alongside former York youngster Billy Gordon, who now represents the Spartans.

Speaking on his move to Blyth, Stockdale told the club website: “I’m excited to be here and start working with the squad. 

“I’m thankful to Nobby and the board for the opportunity and the whole playing squad and staff will be working hard to improve from pre-season.”

Solano also spoke on Stockdale's appointment, the Blyth boss stated: “I’m very pleased to have David join the squad and the staff here.

“He has a lot of experience playing in all levels and had experience as Head of Recruitment at York City, so we know we’ll be in a very good place with David as his experience will be a lot of value for everyone at the club.

“I’m very glad he has arrived here and I’ll be working with him tomorrow and we know we want to give it our best for this football, so I’m looking forward to start working with David this season.”