Michael Spellman leaves Newport after rejecting new deal following supporters’ player of the season award | 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 discussions over fresh terms, Spellman chose to move on, bringing his time at Rodney Parade to a close, and thanked him for his contribution.

The 23-year-old scored five goals in 2025-26 as Newport avoided relegation to the National League on the final day. His exit follows summer departures for winger Bobby Kamwa and captain Matt Baker.

Spellman joined in July 2024 on a two-year deal after his Sunderland release. He had spent two years on Wearside having arrived on trial in March 2022 before signing permanently that June.

Before that he came through Park View Academy and excelled for Chester-le-Street United, scoring 19 in 23 across competitions, including 14 in 16 in the Wearside League.

A 2021 trial with Livingston did not lead to a move. At Sunderland he made one EFL Cup appearance and had loans at Whitby Town, where he scored once in four, and Blyth Spartans.

He left Sunderland at the end of 2023-24. Spellman then scored seven goals across his time with Newport, becoming a key figure during a difficult campaign.

Source: Sunderland Echo