card against Gateshead. Managerial career Blyth Spartans On 22 September 2016, Armstrong was appointed as the new manager of Northern Premier League Premier Division side Blyth Spartans. In his first season in charge of the Green Army, he guided them to win the league title at the first attempt, achieving National League North status for the first time since their relegation from the sixth tier at the end of the 2011–12 season. In their first season back in the National League divisions, Armstrong led Spartans to a tenth-placed finish, four points adrift from play-off qualification. In their following league campaign, Armstrong's side saw a huge boost of form, eventually concluding the season in sixth place, qualifying for the divisional play-off quarter-finals, his side failed to continue to the semi-finals after defeat to Altrincham on penalties, having recorded a 2–2 draw prior though extra time could not see Spartans push for victory. Darlington On 21 May 2019, Armstrong was appointed as the new manager of fellow National League North club Darlington, replacing Tommy Wright. An impressive start to the 2022–23 season saw Armstrong awarded the National League North Manager of the Month award for September 2022, winning all four of their matches across the month and climbing to 3rd position from 17th at the start of the month. Personal life His son Luke is also a footballer. He has another son Rhys who is at Darlington with him. Career statistics Managerial statistics As of 24 September 2022: Honours As a player Stockport County Football League Second Division runner-up: 1996–97 Middlesbrough Football League First Division runner-up: 1997–98 As a manager Individual National League North Manager of the Month: September 2022 References External links Profile on Pride of Anglia website Armstrong Coup For Blue Star 1975 births Living people Footballers from Gateshead English footballers English football managers Association football forwards Newcastle United F.C. players Stockport County F.C. players Middlesbrough F.C. players Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players Ipswich Town F.C. players Bradford City A.F.C. players Darlington F.C. players Rushden & Diamonds F.C. players Doncaster Rovers F.C. players Newcastle Blue Star F.C. players English Football League players Premier League players Blyth Spartans A.F.C. managers Darlington F.C. managers National League (English football) managers