Former Newcastle United and Middlesbrough youth Dan Ward set to sign for Saints

Spennymoor Town have announced that midfielder Dan Ward has left the club to take up a full-time contract with St. Patrick's Athletic.

The 22-year-old previously played for both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.

At Newcastle, he featured at both under-18 and under-23 level, scoring twice in 13 appearances for the 23s in the 2017/18 season.

Ward moved to Middlesbrough in 2018 on a one-year deal and made 18 appearances for Boro's under-23 side, scoring three times.

Following the expiry of his contract at Middlesbrough, Ward signed for Spennymoor Town in the Vanarama National League North.

He made 16 appearances for Spennymoor so far this season but has suffered two hamstring injuries this season, against Blyth Spartans and Sunderland RCA.

Ward won't be the only arrival from National League North as Cork City yesterday confirmed the signing of Dylan McGlade following a short stint with Blyth.

“Dan started the season very well, but unfortunately, due to his ongoing hamstring niggles he couldn’t establish himself in the team on a regular basis,” Spennymoor manager Jason Ainsley said.

“I always promised him that if a full-time club came in for him I wouldn’t stand in his way, and I think going to St Patrick’s is a brilliant opportunity for him at this stage of his career.

“Dan is a lovely lad and a very good footballer who I am sure will do extremely well back in the full-time environment of training everyday. I wish him nothing but success,” Ainsley said.