Arrival | Harmison joins Blyth Spartans from Morpeth

Blyth Spartans are pleased to announce the signing of striker Ben Harmison from Northumberland counterparts Morpeth Town.

Harmison joins Jack Lambert in the second player to join Spartans today and is available for selection ahead of Saturday's game with King's Lynn Town.

The 34-year-old, a former professional cricketer, stepped into non-league football with hometown club Ashington.

And after having a brief spell with North Shields, Harmison has worked his way up the football pyramid in recent seasons.

Harmison spent most of last season at Evo-Stik Premier side South Shields and played a big part as the Mariners narrowly missed out on the title.

Morpeth Town then snapped up Harmison in the summer and now, after a brief loan with Whickham, signs for his third Northumberland club.

Manager Lee Clark said: "Ben knows the club and knows the area and brings experience as well, which is very important for me.

"He is a target man and is a very physical player, which myself and Paul (Stephenson) have realised this league is a lot about physicality.

"We believe he can be a big asset for us. We need to get the right people doing the right type of moments off him, whether he is holding the ball up or flicking it on.

"We need players to make those types of runs to get beyond and get behind defenders. But also set plays - they are massive at any level but more so at this level."

Clark added: "He gives us that little more physicality as we're starting to look a big physical side at the moment with the additions we've brought in.

"We've got to replace the goals and assists that are gone. That is not going to be easy - it is nigh-on impossible.

"I'd love to say we can get it one player who can do it but I think we are going to have to do it with three or four players.

"We are going to have to contribute to making and scoring goals to give the likes of Robbie (Dale) a hand."