Michael Spellman leaves Newport after rejecting new contract despite supporters' player of the season award | OneFootball

Michael Spellman has left Newport County after turning down a new contract, despite being voted the club’s supporters’ player of the season. The 23-year-old forward departs Rodney Parade after two seasons.

The club said in a statement that talks had taken place over a new contract and they thanked him for his commitment and contribution.

Spellman scored five goals in the 2025-26 campaign as Newport avoided relegation to the National League on the final day. His exit follows the departures of winger Bobby Kamwa and captain Matt Baker this summer.

He joined Newport in July 2024 on a two-year deal after leaving Sunderland. He had first arrived on Wearside on trial in March 2022 before a permanent move that summer. Across two campaigns he scored seven goals.

His Sunderland senior minutes were limited to one EFL Cup appearance, with loans at Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans providing game time. He scored once in four matches for Whitby before joining Blyth for the rest of 2022-23.

Before turning professional, Spellman came through Park View Academy and impressed for Chester-le-Street United, hitting 19 goals in 23 games, including 14 in 16 in the Wearside League. He also had a 2021 trial with Livingston.

Source: Sunderland Echo