Blyth Spartans have appointed former Birmingham boss Lee Clark as their new manager.

Clark, 46, who also had spells in charge of Huddersfield and Blackpool, has been out of the game since being sacked by Bury in 2017.

“Blyth Spartans are delighted to announce the appointment of former England international and Newcastle United midfielder Lee Clark as their new first team manager,” the National League North side said on their official website.

Clark made over 500 appearances in total as a player for Newcastle, Sunderland and Fulham before taking on his first role in management at Huddersfield in 2008.

“First and foremost, it’s football – I love it, I want to be on the grass,” Clark said.

“I’ve been too long out of the game and an opportunity to be at home around my family at a great club with great tradition. When they contacted me I was honoured.”

Blyth finished sixth in National League North this season and lost to Altrincham in the play-offs under Alun Armstrong, who quit to take charge of Darlington last month.