Durham City make another key appointment as ex-Blyth Spartans manager joins Didier Agathe's backroom staff

It is two weeks since The Citizens revealed that they were keen to appoint an experienced figure to work alongside the former Celtic star and Wade is the man they have identified.

The 60-year-old has worked across the North East non-league scene for a number of years and has undertaken scouting duties for England C manager Paul Fairclough.

But it was with Spartans where he hit a career high after he led his hometown club to the third round of the FA Cup in 2015.

The famous FA Cup giant-killers saw off the likes of Darlington, Altrincham and Hartlepool United before exiting the competition with a brave 3-2 defeat against Championship club Birmingham City.

Wade left Croft Park in September 2016 and had spells with Northern League clubs Ashington and Newcastle Benfield.

He has been out of the game since his departure from Benfield was confirmed in February 2019, but he revealed that working alongside former Celtic star Agathe was a major factor in his return to the dugout.

After his appointment was confirmed on Friday evening, Wade told The Echo: “My upbringing in the game has been a bit more down to earth than his but we can work together and move the club on.

“But we both know that the basics have to be in place to get things right on and off the pitch.

“If we can get the feel of the club right, I am sure we can get things going.

“I have spoken to Didier about a few players and he has spoken about the style of play he wants to implement.

“We have to have the players to do that and we are working together on that.

“We will see who is available, who is staying from last season and go from there.

“We just have to work together, get the basics and the setup right and try and bring players on together.”