Michael Spellman leaves Newport after rejecting new deal following player of the season award | 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 23-year-old departs the League Two club.

The club said in a statement that Spellman chose to move on after talks over a new deal, adding thanks for his commitment and wishing him well.

Spellman scored five goals in 2025-26 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 contract after leaving Sunderland. Across two seasons he scored seven goals, with five arriving last term as he became an important figure in a difficult campaign.

Spellman came through Park View Academy and shone for Chester-le-Street United, hitting 19 in 23 across all competitions, including 14 in 16 in the Wearside League.

A 2021 trial at Livingston led nowhere, but Sunderland offered a non-contract deal during 2021-22 before signing him permanently in June 2022. He made one EFL Cup appearance and had loans at Whitby Town and Blyth Spartans, scoring once in four for Whitby before joining Blyth for the rest of 2022-23.

Source: Sunderland Echo