Blyth Spartans winger Robbie Dale has rejected an offer to join Blue Square Premier neighbours Gateshead in favour of a two-year extension at Croft Park.

Dale, 25, was a target for Gateshead after scoring 10 goals for Blyth this season but believes his prospects are greater under Spartans boss Mick Tait.

"No disrespect to Gateshead but I firmly believe Blyth to be the bigger club," Dale said.

"I'm also sure that within two or three years we will be challenging."

The deal is a bonus for chairman Tony Platten, who has already tied down boss Tait and Blue Square North top scorer Paul Brayson to new deals at the club this summer.

"In the last week or so manager Mick Tait has signed a new contract, the league's top scorer last season, Paul Brayson, has done likewise and now we've secured Robbie for another two seasons," said Platten.

"It's tremendous news for everyone at the club and I know that Mick is looking to bring in a couple of new players to bolster our squad."

In Dale's five seasons at Croft Park he has made 246 appearances, scoring 91 goals.

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