Blyth target league pair.

Byline: By JEFF BOWRON

BLYTH Spartans, whose Blue Square North game at Stalybridge Celtic was a victim of the weather on Saturday, could sign two experienced Football League players.

Cheltenham Town striker Paul Connor, who has been transfer-listed by the Robins, and Grimsby Town central defender Richard Hope are the pair in question.

Both are Teessiders with more than 650 Football League appearances between them and could be tempted to return to their native North East.

Blyth boss Harry Dunn said: "We've got to be interested in any Football League player who may be looking to return to the region. Connor and Hope fit the bill.

"They are both Middlesbrough lads with long league careers behind them and would be good additions to the squad."

Connor, 30, was Rochdale's record signing when he signed for pounds 100,000 from Stoke City in 2001 and spent four seasons at Spotland. The Middlesbrough academy product joined Cheltenham in 2007 for pounds 25,000 but has been limited to nine League One starts this season scoring once.

Hope, a year older than Connor, has played for eight professional clubs, including more than 100 appearances for Northampton Town, having started his career at Blackburn Rovers.

While Dunn awaits developments on the Connor and Hope front, he is closing in on Gateshead left-back John Brackstone.

He will meet the former Darlington and Hartlepool player after returning from a six-day break in Spain.

Dunn said: "I've spoken to Gateshead manager Ian Bogie and agreed a fee for Brackstone. But this has yet to be ratified by the board and personal terms have still to be agreed.

"I have spoken to the player on the phone and hopefully the deal will go through as he is a defender who can play at left-back or as a left-sided central defender."

Blyth are hoping for a break in the weather so tomorrow's home game against Southport can go ahead.

CAPTION(S):

TARGET: Connor