Mariners pair sign up for Whitley Bay

WHITLEY Bay manager Andy Gowans has added two new faces to his squad ahead of the new Ebac Northern League season.

South Shields forward Stephen Ramsey and midfielder Chris Allan have both agreed to join the fourtime FA Vase winners.

Former Sunderland Academy player Allan played in Monday night’s 7-2 friendly win against Bedlington Terriers, and moves to Hillheads after spending the last two years with the Black Cats.

The 19-year-old midfielder spent time on trial with Bolton in March after being told he was free to leave the Stadium of Light club.

Ramsey made an impressive start to life with his new club, scoring twice in their 7-2 win against the Terriers. He has spent the last 11 years with the Mariners and was part of the squad that won four trophies in the 2016/17 season.

However, his last appearance for the club came in a 2-1 win over Sunderland RCA in March 2017, when a broken leg curtailed his career with the club.

He was rewarded for his longservice with a testimonial against Sunderland ahead of last season.

He leaves Mariners Park after scoring 85 goals in 311 games. Mariners joint-manager Lee Picton praised Ramsey as his departure was announced.

Speaking to the club’s website he said: “Stephen has been an incredible servant to the club during his time here, and an absolute pleasure to be around.

“We had his testimonial this time last year and unfortunately, due to the leg break he suffered at the back end of our final season in the Northern League, he struggled to gain the fitness needed to feature for us last season.

“We sat down with Stephen and talked about his future, and said we felt it would be tough for him to get the game time he is looking for.

“He was out of the game for a long time with his injury, but he regularly came in and supported the lads on match days last season and continued to train with us once he was able to after his leg break.

“He has been a great person to have around the club generally.

“Myself, Graham and I’m sure everyone at the club would like to thank Stephen for his commitment and efforts.”

Ramsey’s former Mariners teammate Leepaul Scroggins has also found himself a new club, joining Division One new boys Whickham.