South Shields make their first signing of the summer, as Coleby Shepherd joins from Whitby Town on a one-year deal.
The 22-year-old works for Mariners Head Coach Elliott Dickman for the first time since they were both at Sunderland's Academy.
Shepherd came through the ranks at Hartlepool United before joining Whitby in 2020.
The left-sided player is able to play in multiple positions - a trait which has seen him play on the wing and at full-back for Whitby.
Loan spells at Newton Aycliffe and North Shields make up the rest of Shepherd's journey before the 1st Cloud Arena.
Shepherd was also part of the Hartlepool side that shocked EFL side Exeter City in the FA Cup in 2019.
The latest Mariner said: “I want to go as high as I can, I work as hard as I can to get to where I want to be and the club matches that which helped my decision to come here.
“I spoke to the gaffer and it’s automatic promotion or playoffs and that’s my own personal goal, I’ll come in play as much as I can and help the team.”
Shields face Shepherd’s former team Hartlepool at the 1st Cloud Arena on July 20th and the Englishman sees it as a great opportunity to showcase his ability to the home supporters.
“It’s gonna be a good game, good test and a good workout for the lads but for me it’s just another game and a chance to impress.”