Hebburn Town boss Kevin Bolam reveals his delight after beating 'a couple of clubs' for Ali Alshabeeb's signature

The Hornets boss made his first move of the summer when the Steelmen forward put pen-to-paper on a one-year deal at the Green Energy Sports Ground on Tuesday.

Alshabeeb made a favourable impression on Bolam and assistant manager Mick Mulhern when he scored for Consett against his new employers in the 2019/20 FA Vase Final last month.

The 20-year-old will now form part of the Hebburn squad that will compete in the Northern Premier League East Division during the coming season and Bolam believes he has added “a massive asset” to his ranks.

He told the Gazette: “When we were made aware Ali was available, we knew we had to get straight in for the lad.

“He’s a good age, has fantastic pace, excellent natural ability and will be a massive asset to the club.

“We had a really good look at him at Wembley, but we were aware of him for a long time before that.

“We beat a couple of clubs to get him in, so I think we have done well to bring him to the club.

“I am really looking forward to working with him because he has so much potential.”

Bolam will now press on with adding at least one more new face to his squad ahead of a return to pre-season training later this month.

A striker remains the priority following the retirement of Graeme Armstrong – but the Hornets boss insisted he will continue to bide his time to ensure he brings in the right replacement for the former Gateshead and Darlington frontman.

“We are looking at one or two other things and we are hoping to make a breakthrough soon.

“We will keep working away and seeing what we can do.

“It’s no secret we need a number nine – but we won’t be held to ransom by clubs.

“We know we have a couple of players in the group that can do a job there, so we have those options too.

“We can’t panic, and we have to be patient.”