Arrival | Elsdon joins Blyth Spartans

Blyth Spartans AFC is pleased to announce the arrival of central defender Matthew Elsdon from National League champions Barrow.

The 23-year-old, from Durham, becomes Michael Nelson's third new signing as manager after Callum Guy and Kieran Charlton joined from South Shields last month.

Elsdon progressed through the youth ranks at Middlesbrough and his first taste of senior experience came in a loan spell at Scottish Championship club Inverness CT.

After seven years at the Teesside outfit, Elsdon was snapped up by Barrow in 2018 - which included short loans at Whitby Town and FC United of Manchester.

Elsdon has also represented England at under-17s level.

Elsdon said: "I'm buzzing to be joining Blyth and can't wait to get the games started. It feels good to be back playing in the North East after being away for a while.

"I've played with Kieran Charlton and Olly Scott before, so I'm looking forward to settling in. The manager played a huge part in my decision to join. With him being a centre-half, I feel he can help me a lot.

"I'm buzzing for the season to start up and for the games to begin as it's been a while now since I played 90 minutes."

Nelson said: "Matty is someone we've had a look at and had very good reports on. We've seen footage and I know of him myself - he was very highly thought of as a youngster at Middlesbrough.

"He looks the part - good size and comfortable on the ball. He's only young and has experienced time in and around professional clubs.

'You need that at this level. You need some physical lads in your team to cope with the physicality of the league and he certainly gives us that.

"I'm sure everyone will see when the season gets going, he has a good passing range - short and long - and knows how to look after the ball.

"He has learned in a good environment during his time in academies - I'm sure that will stand him in good stead.

"Matthew fits the bill for what we are looking for."