South Shields complete signing of Blyth's ex-Newcastle youngster Michael Richardson

The attacking midfielder, who played for the Magpies between 2010 and 2014, worked with Shields joint manager Lee Picton during his time as assistant boss at Croft Park.

Picton is delighted to have landed the 24-year-old, who has also had loan spells in the Football League in the past with Accrington Stanley, Gillingham and Leyton Orient.

He said: "I've had great experience working with Michael in the past, and I know what qualities he will bring to the football club.

"I'm sure the fans are going to enjoy watching him play for what we hope will be the years to come.

"He has bought into the vision of the club and what we're trying to do long-term.

"I'm massively looking forward to getting Michael involved."

Richardson made over 50 appearances for Blyth after joining in 2014, and was part of the side which reached the third round of the FA Cup in 2014-15.

Spartans manager Alun Armstrong told the club's official website: "They’ve been chasing him for a while and I got an offer.

"I told them what I thought Michael’s value was, they matched it and I gave the option to Michael.

“I told him that I wanted him to stay as he was part of the squad but that he should go and have a chat with them. He’s come back and said that he wants to leave.

“If you look at the way I’ve probably used him, he’s been coming off the bench mostly – as I couldn’t seem to find him best position.

"He’s more of a number 10 and, looking at the way I’m setting the lads up, we haven’t really got a number 10 role as such and I think that’s probably what’s made his mind up.

“I didn’t want to lose him, but that’s part and parcel of football. If someone comes in and matches your valuation of the player, then you can’t do anything about it really."