Faces new and old join Consett

Teenage midfielder Harvey Smith, who previously played for England Schoolboys, has put pen to paper on a deal ahead of the 2023/24 season.

He has been joined by attacking midfielder Kaleb Young and former Consett favourite Ryan McKinnon.

18-year-old Smith, who is a graduate of South Shields' academy, joins the Steelmen from Northern League Division One side Whickham.

Comfortable on the ball, he has the ability to drive forward and start attacks, and manager Tony Fawcett is confident he can make his mark at the higher level.

“He can play midfield or full-back and he has an abundance of talent," Fawcett said.

"He has a lot to learn and I think working with us will continue his development as a footballer, as well as competing for a place in the team.”

Also making the move to Consett is Young, who previously did a two-year scholarship at Morecambe before signing for Hebburn Town Reserves following his release.

After Covid-19, he joined his local side Birtley Town for a season before joining Whickham, where he played under Consett boss Fawcett.

Young was part of the squad which finished in a best-ever 7th place in the Northern League in 2021-22, weighing in with several goals and assists.

Finally, popular defender McKinnon returns to a club for whom he featured 158 times for before leaving in 2019.

Since then, he has captained Tow Law Town to promotion to Division One of the Northern League and helped Ashington to the NPL East Division.

The big centre-back spent several years in Newcastle United's academy and signed for Consett after being released.

Consett have already added Ben Ramsey from Morpeth Town and Aaron Steavens from North Shields to their squad as they continue preparations for their upcoming Pitching In NPL East Division campaign.

Photo credit: Consett AFC