Blyth Spartans have added a young, former Newcastle United defender to their ranks ahead of tomorrow's game against Hereford.
Making the long trip to the northeast coast, Bulls fans will be hoping for revenge.
In the last game of last season, an embarrassing 5-0 defeat was on the cards for Hereford... and it was just days after new boss Paul Caddis had met with players to discuss their futures.
Now, with all but Mark Derricott, finding pastures new and a refreshed Hereford side, fans making the longest trip of the season will be hoping for a better performance.
But a 20-year-old defender Joe Oliver could be making his Blyth debut after joining the club on non-contact terms today.
The club said he has prominently been utilised in his natural right fullback position during his time with Newcastle United, playing in the under-18 Premier League, Premier League 2 and the FA Youth Cup.
He had also featured for the Magpies’ under-23s side in the EFL Trophy against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Harrogate Town and Lincoln City.
He penned his first professional contract in the summer of 2021 and has made over 60 appearances while scoring once and assisting nine times in those mentioned competitions.
Graham Fenton told Blyth's website: “Joe’s been at Newcastle for the development phase of his career but unfortunately an injury last season meant that he struggled for game time and wasn’t eventually kept on.
“While doing a few sessions with us he has been on trial at Colchester United and he’s really impressed so we’re delighted to be able to take the opportunity and get him in on non-contract terms.”
Fenton added: “He’s going to provide more competition within our squad, and especially being a couple bodies down it’s great for us to have him ready and be a part of the squad tomorrow against Hereford.”