Whitley Bay manager Nick Gray has strengthened his squad with the addition of two new players.
Central defender Patrick Almond is a former Sunderland youth team player, which is where Nick first met him. He is back to fitness after enduring a tough time earlier in his career, suffering two serious injuries, one in a road accident and then, when playing for Darlington three years ago, a head injury which threatened to end his playing days. Now, after a lengthy recovery, he is ready to resume his playing career. Nick told us "Paddy is a powerful, calm defender. He is good on the ball and since joining the squad has been a breath of fresh air in training. Given his experience of playing at a higher level, we are delighted to have brought him to the club."
Also arriving at Hillheads is Jamie Holmes, who Nick decribes as an attack minded midfielder, and has been signed from Newcastle Blue Star. Jamie started his career at Newcastle United and was a regular in their Under 18 and Under 23 sides. Since then he has played for South Shields, Blyth Spartans and Darlington. "Jamie is a good addition to the squad, he has good energy and quality and along with Paddy he will hopefully help to ignite our season."
We are grateful to Newcastle Blue Star for their assistance in completing Jamie's transfer.
We would like to welcome Paddy and Jamie to the club and hope they enjoy their time with us. Both players are available for selection and come into the squad for tomorrow's game at home to Northallerton Town.
