Signing number EIGHT - County bring in promising ex-Sunderland winger

NEWPORT County AFC have continued their recruitment drive by signing winger Michael Spellman.

The 21-year-old becomes the eighth signing of the summer for the Exiles, who are still hunting a new head coach after the departure of manager Graham Coughlan.

Spellman has signed a two-year contract after most recently being with Sunderland, playing for their under-23s and featuring in the Carabao Cup against Sheffield United in 2022.

The winger has had loan spells with Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans but will now make the step up to League Two.

“I’m delighted to get the deal over the line,” said Spellman, who played for Newcastle as a schoolboy.

“The club is on the rise and it wants to play good football which is what I’m all about. I feel like I can bring a lot to the team and I just can’t wait to get started.

“I’m really exited to play in front of the fans. All I’ve heard is good things about them and the atmosphere they generate on a matchday.

“I pride myself on scoring goals and that’s something I certainly want to bring here. I don’t just want to make the numbers up, I want to push on really create something special.

“I like to score goals and create chances. I like driving forward and making things happen, and get the fans off their seat.

“Through scoring goals I want to help the team as much as possible and give the fans something to shout about.

“I feel like my previous experience at Newcastle and Sunderland will certainly help me settle in. I’m ready for the step up, and I just want to get in now and hit the ground running.”

The Exiles have rarely played with out-and-out wingers but Spellman provides that option.

County have had a comprehensive rebuild in which owner Huw Jenkins has been working with head of football operations Chris Finn and his own scouting network.

Spellman follows goalkeeper Jacob Carney, right-back Joe Thomas, centre-back Brennan, defender/midfielder Matt Baker, left-back Anthony Glennon, midfielder Kai Whitmore and attacker Oliver Greaves in signing up at Rodney Parade.