EFL cult hero, 39, brutally sacked by non-league minnows after 48 days as he says ‘not what I wanted or worked for’
EFL CULT HERO David Stockdale has been brutally sacked as manager of non-league outfit Blyth Spartans AFC.
The former Premier League goalkeeper, who was only appointed 48 days ago, has turned to social media to announce his dismissal.
Stockdale posted on X: “Gutted to have been SACKED. Not what I wanted or worked for.
“It’s been a great time and worked with some great people. Hopefully I can try somewhere else. I wish @Blyth_Spartans all the best.
“But more so the staff and players I had while there. Truly great people .”
The 39-year-old joined Blyth Spartans as assistant manager to the newly appointed former Newcastle star Nolberto Solano on August 5.
Stockdale was then appointed caretaker manager after Solano was sacked 22 days later on August 27.
But he was later given the job on a permanent basis on Friday 13 September after reaching the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
However, the Green Army have endured a horrible start to the Northern Premier League Premier Division season.
The Northumberland outfit sit rock-bottom, having lost seven and won just two of their opening 12 games following their relegation from the National League North last term.
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In fact, Stockdale was winless in the league during his seven-game spell as permanent gaffer.
The club’s two victories came against Campion and Workington during the former goalkeeper’s fortnight as interim boss.
Blyth Spartans have also announced that local businessman Martin Trinder will take over the club from Friday 1 November.
Earlier this month, the club’s chairman Irfan Liaquat revealed that he was looking to sell, and that discussions with a potential buyer were underway.
The non-league side had to postpone their last two home games following the resignation of club volunteers.
Fans boycotted their FA Trophy defeat against Stockton in their last match at Croft Park in protest at Liaquat’s running of the club.
Meanwhile, Stockdale became a cult-hero during his playing career in England.
He started at York City in 2003 before later earning a move to Premier League outfit Fulham in 2008.
The stopper had multiple loan spells away from Craven Cottage at the likes of Rotherham, Leicester City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Hull City.
He left the West London club on a permanent basis in 2014 for Brighton and helped the club win promotion from the Championship in 2017.
Since leaving the Seagulls, he has had spells at Birmingham City, Southend, Coventry City, Wycombe Wanderers, Stevenage and Sheffield Wednesday.
Stockdale returned to York in June 2023 as a goalkeeper and head of recruitment, but was released in April.
He spent six years with the Cottagers and featured 39 times in England‘s top division.