Whitley's second new arrival of the summer is 19 year old defender Harvey Neary. A product of South Shields Academy, Harvey spent last season at Northern League newcomers Boldon CA, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the First Division.
When we spoke to Harvey he told us “I first met manager Nick Gray while I was at Park View Academy in Chester-le-Street. I played at South Shields in their academy team and made a few first team appearances. When he (Nick) spoke to me recently, his plans matched what I was wanting to do so I was really pleased to come here to Whitley Bay. I’m hoping we can compete at the top of the league this season and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of decent size crowds, which I know you always get here.”
Nick was clearly pleased to bring in the teenage defender. “I’m delighted to get Harvey on board. I’ve known him as a junior footballer and every year he has shown improvement. He is an ambitious, hard working and talented player who will get even better by playing with the type of experienced players we’re bringing in.”
