New signing backs Hebburn to challenge ‘on all fronts’

FORMER Blyth Spartans midfielder Damen Mullen is looking forward to helping new club Hebburn Town “challenge on all fronts” next season.

The 31-year-old penned a oneyear deal at the Green Energy Sports Ground on Monday evening just over a week after his release from Croft Park had been confirmed.

Mullen’s stay on South Tyneside could be extended to a second season after the Hornets revealed there is an option in his deal for a further year.

After putting pen to paper he said: “I am delighted to have signed for the club.

“I have been very impressed with the set-up and the people involved at the club, especially in how they moved to get the deal done.

“I am looking forward to the season ahead, and with the squad Hebburn already has we should be challenging on all fronts.”

The versatile midfielder made 243 appearances for Spartans and helped the club reach the FA Cup Third Round in 2015 before winning the Northern Premier League Premier Division title two years later.

He will be now looking forward to plying his trade in the Northern League next season and Town manager Kevin Bolam believes that the signing of Mullen will add experience and quality to his squad.

Bolam explained: “Most people are aware of what the club are trying to do, and the sort of experience and quality Damen brings will only help us achieve.

“He still has that hunger in his eyes, and he wanted to go to a club that is going somewhere.

“When we knew that, we had to get him on board as soon as possible.

“I think he has probably been offered better financial deals elsewhere, but he has bought into the vision we have here.

“We have players that have played at a higher level and have had success at a higher level and Damen just adds to that group of players.”

Bolam has already added former Whitley Bay defender Luke Salmon and West Auckland Town striker Amar Purewal to his ranks this season.

However, the Hebburn boss does not envisage any further incomings ahead of the new Northern League season.

“We are happy with the squad as it stands right now,” he said.

“We have done some good business so far and we are looking strong around the pitch.

“I don’t think we will bring anyone else in and all of our focus will now be on preparing for the league returning when the all-clear is given by the authorities.”