Former Newcastle and Sunderland youngsters given South Shields chance in Blyth Town friendly | OneFootball

South Shields assessed two former Newcastle United and Sunderland academy players during a pre-season win at Northern League side Blyth Town.

According to Sunderland Echo, goalkeeper Will Anderson and midfielder Marshall Burke came on at half-time after training with the Mariners over the past week.

Burke, released by Sunderland a month ago to the day, delivered a composed second-half showing at Gateway Park on his first outing of pre-season. The 21-year-old featured across the Black Cats’ Under-18s and Under-21s in recent seasons, making only a handful of Under-21s appearances last term. His professional deal signed in summer 2023 has now expired.

Anderson, who turns 18 this week, impressed after replacing first-choice Jasper Sheik at the interval and will hope to keep catching the eye following his release by Newcastle last month. The Tyneside-born keeper was a regular for the Magpies’ Under-18s in 2024/25, with nine unused substitute appearances the closest he came to Under-21s action.

Mike Williamson’s rebuild has already brought in The New Saints left-back Jordan Marshall, midfielders Khanya Lashabela and Toby Onanaye, and former Woking striker Sam Ashford. Another new face arrived before Friday night’s opener as versatile forward Adam Campbell signed, the pair having played together at Newcastle before Williamson took him to a Gateshead side that won the National League four years ago.

Departures for Martin Smith, Dan Ward and Will Jenkins mean Williamson still has work to do ahead of his first season in charge at Mariners Park.

Source: Sunderland Echo