Nolberto Nobby Solano, a former icon of Newcastle United, expressed his disappointment at being sacked from his position as manager of Blyth Spartans after just six games in charge.
During his two stints at Newcastle, Solano gained popularity at St. James’ Park. However, he wasn’t named manager until May, when Blyth was demoted from the National League North.
Nevertheless, after just three months on the job, the 49-year-old has been let go because he lost all six of his first games in the seventh-tier Northern Premier League Premier Division.
The team he managed lost 4-1 against Morpeth Town at home on Tuesday.
In a short statement, the club said: ‘Blyth Spartans can confirm that they have agreed to part ways with Nolberto Solano.
‘The club would like to place on record its thanks to Nobby for his efforts while at Spartans.
‘Assistant manager David Stockdale will take charge of the squad as the interim manager ahead of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup tie.’
However, the decision has left Solano disappointed who arrived in pre-season with just ten players till at the club.
‘I’m not looking to make excuses but it’s been really tough,’ he told talkSPORT.
‘I spoke to the owner and directors and we knew there would be a lot of issues because a lot of players left the club. All my pre-season was with trial players.
‘I’m quite disappointed because we knew before [the season] we would work in periods because building a team takes time.
‘We started the season not bad but I understand maybe the chairman thinks he has to change me and bring someone else in and maybe the team turns around.
‘It’s been a really difficult time because my squad was only 12, 13 players so I don’t know what he was thinking about. I told him we need players, physical players in this division but that’s football.
‘I wanted to carry one – it’s a big challenge and it’s only August but I don’t know what the chairman thought.’
Solano enjoyed a lengthy playing career which saw the midfielder ply his trade in the Premier League with Newcastle, Aston Villa and West Ham.
But it was in the north East where the Peruvian enjoyed his greatest success, scoring 38 goals in 233 appearances over two spells at the club.
After retiring in 2012, Solana took on a number of managerial roles in his native Peru before most recently taking charge at Swedish side Eskilstuna.
He was also assistant manager of the Peru national team under Ricardo Gareca, helping his country reach their first World Cup for 34 years in 2018 during his seven-year spell.