Former Sunderland winger Michael Spellman has signed for League Two side Newport County on a two-year deal.
The managerless Exiles have secured the services of the Sunderland under-23s player, who was also a schoolboy on Newcastle United’s books.
He joined the Black Cats in June 2022 and has subsequently had loans at Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans. However, despite appearing on the bench for Sunderland in League Cup games against Sheffield Wednesday and Crewe, he failed to make a senior appearance.
“I am delighted to get the deal over the line,” said the 21-year-old. “I can’t wait to get started. The club is on the rise and it wants to play good football which is what I am all about.
“I’m really excited to play in front of the fans.”
Spellman becomes the ambitious club’s eighth signing of the summer window, following the arrival of Matt Baker, Jacob Carney, Oliver Greaves, Kai Whitmore, Joe Thomas, Ciaran Brennan, and Anthony Glennon.
However, after Graham Coughlan left last month, they are still looking for a head coach, enabling the side to move in a “different direction.”
Spellman will join up with another former Black Cats prospect, goalkeeper Jacob Carney. He’s a former Manchester United keeper who moved to Wearside in 2021. He played for the Black Cats under-23s before joining Spanish club CD Castellon on loan, helping them to promotion from Spain’s third tier.
He, too, joined on a free transfer following his release by Sunderland.
Writer’s View
This is a big opportunity for Spellman, but the club’s direction is uncertain. A takeover led by former Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins earlier this year aims to focus on gaining success with younger players, seeking to develop talent.
Whilst that is commendable, it could be seen as concerning that so many deals are being done without a new head coach already in place. Will the new style and formation suit the new recruits? Will Spellman be the new man’s profile of player?
It’ll be interesting to see if the risk pays off on both the player’s behalf and the clubs.
Editor In Chief
