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

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

The League Two club said in a statement that Spellman had chosen to move on, adding thanks for his contribution and best wishes for the future.

The 23-year-old scored five goals in 2025-26 and Newport avoided relegation to the National League on the final day. Winger Bobby Kamwa and captain Matt Baker have also departed this summer.

He left Sunderland at the end of 2023-24 and signed a two-year deal at Newport that July, ending a two-year spell on Wearside that began with a trial in March 2022 before a permanent move later that summer.

He came through Park View Academy and impressed for Chester-le-Street United, hitting 19 goals in 23 games in all competitions, including 14 in 16 in the Wearside League.

A 2021 trial at Livingston did not lead to a move. Sunderland offered a non-contract agreement during 2021-22, then signed him permanently in June 2022.

He made one EFL Cup appearance and had loans with Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans, scoring once in four for Whitby before joining Blyth for the rest of 2022-23.

He finished with seven goals across two seasons for Newport.

Source: Sunderland Echo