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

Former Sunderland forward Michael Spellman 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 talks over fresh terms, Spellman chose to move on, adding thanks for his commitment and wishing him success for the future.

The 23-year-old scored five goals in 2025-26 as the Exiles avoided relegation to the National League on the final day.

Spellman joined Newport in July 2024 on a two-year deal following his release from Sunderland, where he had spent two years after initially impressing on trial.

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

A trial with Livingston in 2021 did not lead to a contract. Sunderland later offered a non-contract agreement in 2021-22 before signing him permanently in June 2022.

He made one EFL Cup appearance for Sunderland and had loans at Whitby Town, where he scored once in four outings, and Blyth Spartans for the remainder of 2022-23.

Across two seasons at Newport he scored seven goals and became an important figure in a difficult campaign. His exit follows departures for winger Bobby Kamwa and captain Matt Baker.

Source: Sunderland Echo