FA Vase heroes Whitley Bay have suffered a blow with the departure of assistant manager Steve Cuggy and coach Gavin Fell to neighbours Blyth Spartans.

The pair have contributed greatly to Whitley's success in cup competitions and the STL Northern League over the last few years, and they accepted an approach from the Blue Square North club on Sunday to take over at Croft Park.

Whitley manager Ian Chandler said: "I recommended Steve and Gav to Blyth, because they will give 120 per cent. It is a good opportunity for them, and they go with our best wishes.

"As for replacing them, I believe that we have some good lads in the squad, who might want to move into the management and coaching side. Obviously, I haven't considered it in depth, but I'm sure something will fall into place."

Fell has been at the club for three seasons, and has gained an excellent reputation with his in depth scouting reports on FA Cup and FA Vase opponents.

Cuggy has been at the club for five seasons as Chandler's assistant, and has played a key part in the technical area in their recent success. Perhaps fittingly, their last game with Whitley was their FA Vase triumph over Coalville at Wembley just over a fortnight ago.

Cuggy, a former Blyth player, replaces former Darlington boss Mick Tait, whose contract hasn't been renewed. "It was a no-brainer as far as I was concerned," he said.

"It's been a whirlwind last 24 hours, and I had no hesitation in accepting the job.

"I've always had a soft spot for Blyth, having spent two years there as a player under Tommy Dixon and Ronnie Walton, before I moved into the Football League with Maidstone.

"It was a bit of a wrench leaving Whitley, but Blyth is the only club I would go to. I'm well aware that they are three divisions above Whitley, but that is effectively two because the Northern League is virtually a step four league because of its standard, and not step five.

"My first priority now is to talk to all the players, and establish who is staying at the club. There is a good squad, because they finished ninth last season and reached the quarter finals of the FA Trophy."