Atkinson moves for Toon stars

Byth Spartans manager Paddy Atkinson has signed promising Newcastle United youngster Marcis Maddison on an initial month's loan.

The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division manager returned to his former club on Friday to strike a deal for Maddison, 19, who is eligible to play in the Premier League's new Under 21s League.

Maddison is described as a tricky winger with an eye for goal and Atkinson is hoping he'll be joined at Croft Park by another promising Toon youngster, Michael Riley.

Geordie boy Riley, nephew of former Newcastle midfielder Ian Bogie, is a tough tackling left-back who has impressed in the second string in the last two seasons.

Maddison is available to go straight into Atkinson's squad for Saturday's clash against at Nantwich Town at Croft Park while negotiations for Riley are ongoing.