Former Newcastle and Sunderland prospects get South Shields chance in Blyth Town win | OneFootball

South Shields are assessing two former Newcastle United and Sunderland academy players after they featured in a pre-season win at Blyth Town as preparations continue for the National League North campaign.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Will Anderson and ex-Sunderland midfielder Marshall Burke came on at half-time in Friday night’s opener at the Northern League side, having trained with the Mariners over the past week. According to Sunderland Echo, both are under consideration as Mike Williamson shapes his first squad.

Williamson has already added left-back Jordan Marshall, midfielders Khanya Lashabela and Toby Onanaye, and striker Sam Ashford. He also signed Adam Campbell before the Blyth Town game, having previously played alongside him at Newcastle United and later included him in Gateshead’s National League title-winning squad four years ago.

Further work remains after the departures of Martin Smith, Dan Ward and Will Jenkins, with Williamson building towards his first season in charge at Mariners Park.

Burke looked composed throughout the second half at Gateway Park, making his first outing of pre-season exactly a month after his release by the Black Cats. The 21-year-old featured across Sunderland’s Under-18s and Under-21s, making only a handful of Under-21 appearances last season as the professional deal he signed in summer 2023 expired.

Anderson, who turns 18 this week, produced a steady display after replacing Mariners number one Jasper Sheik at the break. Released by Newcastle last month, he was a regular for their Under-18s in 2024/25, while nine unused substitute appearances were his closest involvement with the Under-21s.

Source: Sunderland Echo