Noberto Solano, a former player for Newcastle United, Leicester City, and Aston Villa, has been named the sixth-tier team Blyth Spartans’ new manager, the non-league organization has confirmed.
Solano’s playing career was well regarded. After making his professional debut with Sporting Cristal, where he also played alongside the legendary Diego Maradona, the midfielder eventually made his way to England, where he played for several teams in the top three divisions of the league.
After working with Nigel Pearson as a player at Newcastle United, the latter led him to Leicester City, where he made 13 appearances before moving to Hull City a few months later with Pearson. The veteran played with players like Liam Rosenior, the head coach at the moment, at MKM Stadium.
After playing football for Hartlepool, a team in the third division of English football, Solano eventually withdrew from the game and went into coaching. He is best known for serving as Peru’s assistant manager for seven years, a role that enabled the South American squad to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under Ricardo Gareca.
Now, Solano will be in charge of the National League North’s Blyth Spartans, who have lost five straight games in the league. The 49-year-old acknowledged in a club statement that his appointment is a “wonderful challenge” and a “great opportunity.”
“I’m rather happy with this task; it’s fantastic. The way my former teammate, Steve Howard, demonstrated the club’s ambition—some of which I adore—was one of the reasons I agreed to it. I’m excited about the prospect of working with the local boys.
“I’ve known Blyth for ages. In the Northeast, this squad enjoys great popularity. With these fantastic players and the new owner, I’m quite excited. We just need to work hard, collaborate, and climb back up into the National League North.
Author’s Perspective
Solano’s former Leicester City teammate Steve Howard, who is now the Sporting Director at Blyth Spartans, persuaded him to sign. For a little period of time, it has undoubtedly helped increase the club’s media interest.
With the exception of his tenure as Peru’s head coach, Solano hasn’t had much success in his post-playing career. Nevertheless, this gives a fresh chance for him to lead the Green Army to the level that the board desires, and perhaps he is given enough time to accomplish it.
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