Michael Spellman leaves Newport after rejecting new deal despite supporters’ player award | OneFootball

Former Sunderland forward Michael Spellman, 23, has left Newport County after rejecting a new contract, despite being named the club’s supporters’ player of the season.

The club said in a statement that, after discussions over fresh terms, Spellman chose to move on and they thanked him for his commitment and contribution.

Newport avoided relegation to the National League on the final day of 2025-26. His exit is another setback for the Exiles, who have also lost winger Bobby Kamwa and captain Matt Baker this summer.

Spellman’s route into the professional game began at Park View Academy, then Chester-le-Street United, where he scored 19 in 23 across competitions, including 14 in 16 in the Wearside League. A 2021 trial with Livingston did not lead to a move.

Sunderland assessed him during 2021-22, offering a non-contract agreement before signing him permanently in June 2022. He made one first-team appearance in the EFL Cup and took loans at Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans, scoring once in four outings for Whitby before joining Blyth for the remainder of 2022-23.

Sunderland confirmed his departure at the end of 2023-24, and he joined Newport in July 2024 on a two-year deal.

Spellman scored seven goals across his two seasons in south Wales, five of them last term as he became an important figure during a difficult campaign.

Source: Sunderland Echo