Double loan signing for Blyth Spartans

Spartans have brought in Sunderland goalkeeper Adam Richardson and Gateshead defender Ben Fell on loan.

The pair become the first signings made by newly-appointed manager Michael Connor, who took charge over the weekend following a takeover of the club.

Both players have already featured in the Northern Premier League this season, Richardson making five appearances in league and cup for Hebburn Town and Fell playing four times for Workington.

Richardson, 21, progressed through the ranks at the Academy of Light and made 17 appearances for Sunderland in the Premier League 2 over the past two seasons.

Last summer, he signed a new contract keeping him at the Black Cats until 2026.

"I'm delighted to sign," he said.

"I'm excited to come and play men's football at a big club, and hopefully we can get going in the right direction."

Joining him at Croft Park is Gateshead centre-back who previously played under Connor at Blyth Town.

The 20-year-old featured over 100 times for the club, picking up the Northern Football League Division Two Player of the Year award during their title-winning season.

On the move, he said: "I'm delighted. I'm a local lad so I've got a lot of time for the club.

"Having worked with the manager before, as soon as he called I was in. [Now I] can't wait to get going."