BENFIELD ADD FORMER SPARTAN JORD

NORTHERN League club Newcastle Benfield have continued their impressive recruitment drive with the addition of Jordan Laidler.

The former Sunderland and Newton Aycliffe midfielder joins the Lions after spending the last 18 months with Blyth Spartans.

He helped Alun Armstrong’s side to promotion from the Evo-StikPremier in 2017, although his game time was limited as the Spartans established themselves in the National League North last season.

That meant Laidler was given the chance to join Benfield on loan and the move has now become a permanent one.

The 24-year-old is looking forward to returning to the Sam Smith’s Park and believes that his new side have “a bright future” ahead of them.

He said: “I am delighted to join Benfield for the new season.

“I’ve known Craig (Heward, Assistant Manager) and Mark (Convery, Manager) for a number of years now and I know what’s expected of me and also being at the club last year on loan I know what they are all about.

“They have already made some great signings this season I think we have as good a chance as anyone to go far in this league.

“I’m very happy to be a part of a very bright future at the club.”

Benfield assistant manager Heward will be reunited with a player that he worked with during his teens and he admitted that he had kept an eye on his progress ever since.

“I worked with Jordan when he was a junior and followed his progress at Sunderland, then into the Northern League and onto Blyth Spartans,” he said.

“When he became available it was a no brainer for us.

“He was on loan with us last season and made a huge impact and myself and Mark can’t wait to start working with Jordan again.”