Former Blyth Spartans youth signs fresh Middlesbrough deal and completes League Two loan move

Former Blyth Spartans academy captain Jack Daley has taken the next steps in his senior career by signing a new deal at parent club Middlesbrough and completing a loan move to League Two outfit Gillingham.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a formative stint in Northumberland, skippering Spartans’ development side while studying on the Tyne Met College programme, before continuing his development in the professional game.

Daley signed for Boro from Newcastle Blue Star last year after impressing during a trial on Teesside, and featured for Kim Hellberg’s Championship side during their preseason preparations, making a surprise start in a 1-1 draw against Celtic at Parkhead back in July.

The teenager’s contract at the Riverside had been due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but Boro confirmed that they have taken the decision to hand him an extension, as well as offering him an opportunity to earn valuable senior experience by sending him out on loan to Gillingham.

Daley has joined the Gills on a season-long loan agreement, and speaking upon his arrival at Priestfield Stadium, the defender said: "The club has a good fan base and I want to enjoy the challenge. I like a duel, heading at both ends, and keeping goals out. I am expecting League Two to be more physical and more demanding fitness wise. I want to come in and play as many games as I can."

At the time of writing, Gillingham sit 21st in the fourth tier having failed to win any of their opening three league outing, recording two draws and a loss.