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One in, one out at Dunston
Dunston have signed young Whitley Bay midfielder Harvey Neary, while the departure of Jack Maskell to National League North side Darlington has also been confirmed.
The versatile Neary, who can play in the centre of midfield and as a full-back, becomes Jon McDonald's first summer signing.
He was a standout performer last season for Whitley Bay as they secured a mid-table finish in the Northern League.
On his move to the NPL East Division side, Neary said: “After speaking to Jon about the club’s plans for moving forward and the way he wants to play football, I felt that it was definitely the right place for me.
“I would say I’m a player who works hard for the team and likes to play on the front foot.
“The main goal is definitely to get promoted. With the quality in the squad, I think that goal is definitely achievable.
"On a personal note, I want to play as many games as I can. I’m stepping up a level from the Northern League so I want to show that I’m capable."
Dunston manager Jon McDonald said: “I watched Harvey a number of times last season and he was very impressive”.
“At 21 years old, he’s another young player we feel has huge potential. He’s strong, carries the ball very well and is a great athlete.
“We are delighted to add another exciting young talent to our already strong squad. He’s another player who fits the profile of what we want at the club."
One player who won't be at the Fed next season, however, is teenage forward Maskell, who has joined Darlington for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old registered 26 goals and nine assists in 38 games for Dunston last season.
He subsequently picked up the club's Players' Player of the Season, Committee's Player of the Season, Supporters' Player of the Season and Goal of the Season awards following the conclusion of the campaign, in addition to finishing as their top scorer.
"Jack has been exceptional for Dunston UTS," McDonald added.
"I have spoken to him at length for a number of weeks, and he has expressed his desire to play at a higher level and we fully support him with this.
"As a club, we've played our part in developing him and preparing him for the next stage of his career. We wish him every success moving forward.
"Our full focus is now on preparing Dunston for the new season."
Photo credit: Beauty Time Photography
He was a standout performer last season for Whitley Bay as they secured a mid-table finish in the Northern League.
On his move to the NPL East Division side, Neary said: “After speaking to Jon about the club’s plans for moving forward and the way he wants to play football, I felt that it was definitely the right place for me.
“I would say I’m a player who works hard for the team and likes to play on the front foot.
“The main goal is definitely to get promoted. With the quality in the squad, I think that goal is definitely achievable.
"On a personal note, I want to play as many games as I can. I’m stepping up a level from the Northern League so I want to show that I’m capable."
Dunston manager Jon McDonald said: “I watched Harvey a number of times last season and he was very impressive”.
“At 21 years old, he’s another young player we feel has huge potential. He’s strong, carries the ball very well and is a great athlete.
“We are delighted to add another exciting young talent to our already strong squad. He’s another player who fits the profile of what we want at the club."
One player who won't be at the Fed next season, however, is teenage forward Maskell, who has joined Darlington for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old registered 26 goals and nine assists in 38 games for Dunston last season.
He subsequently picked up the club's Players' Player of the Season, Committee's Player of the Season, Supporters' Player of the Season and Goal of the Season awards following the conclusion of the campaign, in addition to finishing as their top scorer.
"Jack has been exceptional for Dunston UTS," McDonald added.
"I have spoken to him at length for a number of weeks, and he has expressed his desire to play at a higher level and we fully support him with this.
"As a club, we've played our part in developing him and preparing him for the next stage of his career. We wish him every success moving forward.
"Our full focus is now on preparing Dunston for the new season."
Photo credit: Beauty Time Photography
