Former City trialist Boney signs as Mariners also eye Wearside prospect Hunter while Highwaymen train sights on promotion

SOUTH Shields have completed their first summer signing with Blackpool goalkeeper Myles Boney completing a permanent move to the club.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Mariners Park and made 37 appearances as Graham Fenton and Lee Picton’s side.

However, the Mariners were denied a fourth promotion in five seasons as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic led to an FA decision to null and void the season for steps three to seven of the non-league system.

After securing a permanent move to South Tyneside, Boney quickly set his focus on using that decision as motivation to gain promotion into the National League North.

He told the Mariners website: “We’ve got massive motivation to do well again. Things happen in life that you can’t help and that aren’t necessarily anyone’s fault, and we just have to go again.

“We’ve got to go back out and do what we were doing last season even better. To win promotion this season would feel even sweeter having felt that disappointment, and that’s definitely the goal for us.”

A former Manchester City trialist, Boney’s decision to return to the North East sees the Mariners address one of their key needs this summer.

The talented keeper – who once spent time on trial at Premier League giants Manchester City – described the move as “a no-brainer”.

He said: “It was a very easy decision for me after the good season I enjoyed here on loan. From the moment I joined last summer I felt

very welcome and loved the place, the staff and the players.

“When the opportunity came about to come back on a permanent basis it was a no-brainer, and I’m buzzing to be part of things moving forward.”

Boney’s signing could be followed by that of another former loanee after South Shields were linked with a move for defender Jordan Hunter.

The Garstang-born full-back was rated as one of the Northern Premier League’s best defenders last season and has reportedly snubbed the offer of a two-year deal at Sunderland.

■■ Morpeth Town head coach Craig Lynch believes that the club can challenge at the top end of the Northern Premier League Premier Division once again this season.

The Highwaymen shone during their first season in step three of the non-league pyramid and looked set to challenge for a play-off place.

However, their hopes of securing a third consecutive promotion were ended by the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been changes at Craik Park over the last two months as long-serving manager Nicky Gray was succeeded by former Blyth Spartans midfielder Stephen Turnbull.

Lynch will continue to work alongside the new manager and assistant Jon McDonald.

The FA’s announcement that they are targeting a September return to competitive non-league football has seen Morpeth step up their preparations for the new season.

Former Sunderland player Lynch told the club website: “Obviously, the group of lads we’ve got and the management, we are competitive and want to be right up there.

“There’s no question about it, we aren’t going in to make the numbers up.”