Former Newcastle United academy midfielder tipped for big impact after South Shields move

Elliott Dickman has continued to boost his South Shields squad after completing the signing of former Newcastle United and Gateshead midfielder Dan Ward.

The move comes after Ward spent last season with National League club Oldham Athletic - although injuries limited him to just seven appearances for Latics as they finished the campaign sat in tenth place in non-league’s top tier. The 26-year-old spent time in the academy systems at Newcastle and Middlesbrough before having spells with Spennymoor Town and Irish club St Patricks Athletic. A move to Gateshead saw Ward help the Tynesiders to the National League North title in 2022 and he also featured in their FA Trophy Final defeat against FC Halifax Town 12 months later before joining Oldham last summer.

After agreeing to return to his hometown club on a two-year deal, South Shields-born Ward admitted he has is relishing the prospect of coming home and reuniting with his former Gateshead team-mate Paul Blackett.

He told the club website: "I'm really happy, I know all about the Club and how far it's come in a short space of time. I spoke to the gaffer quite. a while ago, I think just the way he wants to play - where he sees me fitting in - I think just suits me down to the ground and it's exactly what I need right now. I'm really good mates with Blackett, I've played with him before and we had a really good relationship and hopefully that carries on."

The signing of Ward follows the recent additions of Whitby Town winger Coleby Shepherd and former Newcastle United youngster Kyle Crossley as Dickman prepares for his first season as permanent manager at the 1st Cloud Arena. The Mariners boss described the addition of the former Gateshead man as ‘a brilliant signing’ and tipped Ward to have a big impact on and off the pitch over the course of the new season.

He said: "We are thrilled to have signed a player with the experience and quality that Dan possesses. When we have been discussing football with Dan, his passion and understanding of the game shines through with great enthusiasm. He is a brilliant signing for us and we know he will be a very influential player both on and off the pitch. We as a staff we have followed Dan’s progress for a number of years, from Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Gateshead and recently Oldham and we have all been huge admirers of how he plays the game. We are all really excited to work with him and for him to be a part of our team, especially with him being a local lad."

Ward could make his first appearance for his new club when South Shields get their pre-season schedule underway with a home game against Sunderland on Saturday, July 13 (12.30pm kick-off).