South Shields swoop to sign ex-Gateshead and Darlington striker Graeme Armstrong

The 34-year-old is a proven performer at Evo-Stik League level, having played a key role for clubs including Darlington, Gateshead and Spennymoor in the past.

One of his most successful spells came at Darlington between 2014 and 2016, as he helped the club win back-to-back promotions through Evo-Stik North and the Evo-Stik Premier Division, scoring 39 goals in the process.

He then opted to leave Darlo for Spennymoor, and played a part in another promotion-winning campaign last time out as the club sealed a place in National League North.

The experienced frontman has also enjoyed spells with Annan Athletic, Dunston UTS, Harrogate Town, Blyth Spartans and Whitby Town.

Having enjoyed success almost everywhere he has been, Armstrong is now hoping to help the Mariners in their continued quest to climb the pyramid.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be here.

"From the outside looking in, I could see how well South Shields were doing and how ambitious they are.

"When you see that, I think it's a no-brainer when you get the opportunity to come and play here.

"The fanbase is absolutely brilliant, with an average home gate of more than 1,500 so far this season. When the opportunity came around, it was really difficult to pass up."

Armstrong started his career north of the border with Scottish side Annan before a spell at Dunston, during which he became the Northern League club's record goalscorer.

The striker then moved to Gateshead in 2007, spending three years at the International Stadium as he helped the club win promotion from the Evo-Stik Premier Division and National League North.

He scored 10 goals in the Tynesiders' first season in the National League Premier, but opted to leave in 2010 when the club switched to full-time status. He had scored 48 goals for the club during his three seasons.

Spells at Harrogate, Blyth and Whitby - where he scored more than 30 goals in one season - followed, before his move to Darlington in 2014.

Armstrong is clearly bringing plenty of experience to Mariners Park, and is relishing the challenge ahead.

He added: "I've been lucky enough to play in some good sides.

"I won promotion out of this league with Darlington, and through the Evo-Stik Premier Division with Spennymoor, Gateshead and Darlington.

"I've got plenty of experience within these leagues, and the key is that I've been able to play in some good teams and managed to win some promotions along the way.

"Hopefully I can bring a little bit of that experience just to help us hit our goal of winning promotion again this season.

"When the phonecall came to sign for South Shields, I was over the moon, and straightaway I said 'yes'.

"I'm relishing the opportunity to play for the club."