Second deal nearly done for Spartans
BLYTH Spartans expect to clinch their second signing of the week today as squad preparations near a close.
Former Middlesbrough youth striker Bradley Fewster scored twice on debut in a 4-1 pre-season friendly win at Dunston UTS on Tuesday.
Fewster’s signature should be followed by another Teesssidebased player, Stockton Town centre-back Tom Coulthard.
The 23-year-old captained the Anchormen in their FA Vase final defeat against Thatcham Town at Wembley in May.
He has been at Stockton since he broke into the first-team as a 17-year-old and has agreed terms with Blyth.
Spartans boss Alun Armstrong said: “Fewster is someone who I knew from my time at Middlesbrough and he didn’t get much of a chance at Spennymoor.
“He has always scored goals, including while out on loan in the Football League, and at 22 is a player who will continue to develop.
“Coulthard is of a similar age and another player of promise. It is a big step-up from the Northern League, but hopefully he’ll be able to make it.
“Three players we’ve signed this summer are young and hungry, but you can only look for rough diamonds for so long.”
Protracted attempts to prize defender Chris Reid away from Morpeth Town proved unsuccessful forcing Armstrong to look elsewhere.
Armstrong is looking to complete his summer work by signing another goalkeeper, Shaun MacDonald having left for Torquay this week.
“While no fee was involved we have a sell-on clause with Torquay.
“It’s not ideal having to look for another keeper but hopefully we’ll have one in the near future.”