South Shields sign Team Northumbria defender as pre-season training begins

Louis Storey had spent three-and-a-half-years with Team Northumbria. Image by Peter Talbot.

The 22-year-old came through the ranks at St James's Park before leaving in 2012, and has spent the last three-and-a-half years with Team Northumbria while studying for a degree at Northumbria University.

The Wallsend Boys' Club product played against Shields three times last season as Team Northumbria battled the Mariners for promotion.

Over recent weeks, the Mariners expressed their interest in the centre-back, who admits he was "overwhelmed" by the ambition shown during talks.

Storey - who trained with his new team-mates for the first time today - said: "I'm delighted to join the club. I first started speaking to them about three weeks ago, so it's nice to get it sorted.

"I'm over the moon to come to such an established club that has got big ambitions and is looking strong to have a real challenge in the league next season.

"When I spoke to the manager and the coaches, and I was just overwhelmed by the ambition of the club. It really matched the ambition I have got as a player.

"I want to do things right in terms of playing the right type of football, but winning football at the same time. That really came across when I spoke to the club.

"Our main aim is to win the league and we'll try to get a cup alongside that, which matches my ambition."

Storey's two appearances at Mariners Park last season have whetted his appetite for what lies ahead.

He added: "It was a great atmosphere and great occasion both times we came to Shields, and probably the best occasions I had last season alongside the FA Vase run we had.

"Just having fans makes it intense and really exciting to be a part of, so that's another thing that's really exciting me for next season. Being part of that and having such a big fanbase behind us will be brilliant.

"I also think I've probably come here at the right time.

"I've been quite lucky with that, with the 3G being built now, the pitch all being done and the new stands going up this summer.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of that and using it to try to maximise my own and the team's potential.

"I'm over the moon that I've made this step and I back myself to make an impact here."