Blyth Spartans have signed youngster Adam Garrity from Championship side Middlesbrough.
The forward comes to Blyth having been released from the Riverside earlier in the summer.
And the 18-year-old is honoured to be joining the ranks at Croft Park.
He said: “I’ve heard a lot about the club, so I’m happy to be here. Blyth came highly recommended to me and I’m glad they wanted me.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to sign for this club.”
Garrity – who has also had a spell at Hartlepool United – is also looking forward to testing himself in a more physical league this season.
He said: “The league’s a good standard and it’s a tough one to be in, so I’m relishing the challenge. Hopefully, I can fit in and do well.”
Manager Tom Wade believes the youngster can flourish at Spartans and is hoping Garrity can assert himself at the club.
Wade said: “Adam was a childhood star and he’s still only 18. Middlesbrough paid a fee for him when he was 16, but he’s just lost his way a little bit.
“He’s a big lad. He’s 6′ 4” and he’s built like the proverbial brick toilet.
“He’s a one to develop as the season goes. If we can get him fit and on the pitch on a regular basis, he’s a monster of a player.”