Duo join on season-long loan from South Shields

Joao Gomes and Dan Savage have both joined Blyth Spartans for the upcoming season on loan from South Shields, subject to FA approval.

The pair both featured for South Shields last season in the Vanarama National League North and in their pre-season campaign this season.

Joao Gomes, 21, made his senior debut for the Mariners in their 2022/23 Northern Premier League Premier Division title-winning campaign, making 23 appearances and scoring four goals.

Since then the Portuguese attacker featured 10 times in the National League North last season and has featured for South Shields in this pre-season and scored in their most recent match against Consett AFC, where they won 2-1.

Gomes joined the Mariners in 2019 and was a part of the South Shields FC Academy before his promotion to the first team.

On the arrival of Joao Gomes, Director of Football, Steve Howard said: "I'm delighted to sign Joao Gomes on loan from South Shields.

"Joao is a very exciting player which will bring pace and a massive amount of quality to our side. He is highly rated at South Shields, so we're really pleased we got him."

Meanwhile, Dan Savage made his first team debut for the Mariners on January 6, 2024, as a late second-half substitute during a 1-1 draw against Warrington Town in the National League North.

The youngster would go on to make 11 appearances last season for South Shields, totalling 147 minutes of first-team football, alongside this he has featured predominantly for the South Shields FC Academy side during the 2023/24 season.

Savage has also had experience playing first-team football for Hebburn Town, Boldon CA and North Shields in the last 12 months.

On Dan Savage, Steve Howard added: "Dan Savage is a young attacker with plenty of appetite to succeed. He is hard working with an excellent engine and an excellent attitude.

"He will bring quality to the side and another player that is highly rated at South Shields so I'm really pleased to get him on loan."

Welcome to Blyth, lads!