Blyth Spartans defender completes move to Whitby Town

Whitby Town have completed the signing of Blyth Spartans defender Charlie Stirland, it has been confirmed.

The 20-year-old arrived at Croft Park last November, joining from Newton Aycliffe, and helped Spartans to retain their Northern Premier League East status this season.

Stirland came through the ranks as a youth at Middlesbrough and went on to sign for MK Dons as a professional. He made a handful of appearances for the Dons before gaining valuable experience on loan in the National League North - featuring for both Oxford City and Darlington.

Speaking upon his arrival at Whitby, Stirland said: "I've heard good things about the club, and it's close to me, which comes hand-in-hand. Bully [manager Lee Bullock] has said that he wants to create a nice squad that's going to be fighting in the league, getting the results that we want to compete. I've had the experience of playing both men's and academy football, so I've been taught to play, but I know when to be no-nonsense and get rid. I'm also fast and vocal on the pitch."