Blyth Spartans AFC is pleased to announce the arrival of goalkeeper Brad Young on a season-long loan from Hartlepool United.
Highly-rated Young, 18, arrives at Croft Park fresh from being linked with some of the biggest clubs in the country.
Stories in the national press earlier this year claimed Young had caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Whilst speculation surrounded his future, Young spent time on loan at Northern League Division One side Billingham Town.
Young, however, committed his future Pools this summer and played a full 90 minutes against Blyth in a 2-2 friendly draw last month.
Interestingly, Young did feature for Spartans in pre-season – playing and keeping a clean sheet in the second-half against Morpeth Town – which ended in a 3-2 defeat.
“I’m delighted to join Blyth,” Young said. “I’m excited about the challenge ahead – hopefully it can be a successful one.
“It’s a great opportunity for me as I’m still only 18. I’ve got to say a big thank you to the manager Nelse getting it done.”
Michael Nelson, manager of Blyth Spartans, added: “He brings competition. Prior to Brad signing, we only had Brendan and young Eithne from the under-19s.
“We want competition in every position if possible, especially with what is going on in the world right now. If Brendan had to self isolate or got injured for example, then ultimately we’d be left without a senior goalkeeper.
“It was always my aim to bring in another goalkeeper. We’ve known about Brad for a while now but it has a while to get done because of Hartlepool needing to sign players on their end.
“He’s not someone plucked out of the air. He’s been recommended to us and the feedback I’ve had from scouts, players and coaches has been really good.
“Pools rate him highly and see him as a future number one, so hopefully he can develop with us and do well.”