Arrival | Patrick Almond joins on season-long loan from Sunderland

Blyth Spartans are pleased to announce the signing of Sunderland defender Patrick Almond on loan until the end of season.

The 19-year-old has so far made the one appearance for the Black Cats, as he played the full 90 minutes for Lee Johnson's side in their EFL Trophy win over Manchester United under-21s in October.

Almond has been tipped by Johnson as a having a bright future after some impressive displays for Sunderland's under-23s earlier in the campaign.

The defender's arrival is the first signing for Mitchell since he joined the club in early December.