Former Sunderland forward Michael Spellman leaves Newport after rejecting new contract | OneFootball

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

The club said in a statement that he chose to move on after talks, and thanked him for his contribution. He scored five goals in 2025-26 as the Exiles narrowly avoided relegation to the National League on the final day.

His exit is another setback for Newport, who have already seen winger Bobby Kamwa and captain Matt Baker depart this summer.

Spellman joined Newport in July 2024 after his release by Sunderland, having initially arrived on Wearside on trial in March 2022 before earning a permanent deal that summer. He made one EFL Cup appearance and had loans with Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans.

He scored once in four games for Whitby, then joined Blyth for the rest of 2022-23. Sunderland confirmed his exit at the end of 2023-24, after which he signed a two-year deal at Newport.

Across two seasons he scored seven goals and became an important figure in a difficult campaign. His path included Park View Academy and a prolific spell at Chester-le-Street United, where he hit 19 in 23, including 14 in 16 in the Wearside League.

Source: Sunderland Echo