Left-back Coleby Shepherd leaves Whitby Town to join National League North side South Shields
Left-back Coleby Shepherd has joined National League North side South Shields on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.
Twenty-two-year-old Shepherd joined Whitby Town in the summer of 2020 from Hartlepool United and has prospered in a Seasiders' shirt.
After four years he now joins Shields who eighth in the National League North last season, missing out on a play-off spot by a solitary point.
Initially arriving as a fringe player, Shepherd spent time on loan at Whitley Bay while with Town, before returning to slowly establish himself as a first-team regular.
The 2023-24 season saw Shepherd feature 37 times for Nathan Haslam's men, netting three goals from left-back - Shepherd's best goalscoring return since arriving at the Towbar Express Stadium.
And his impressive campaign in blue has captured the attention of Shields' boss Elliott Dickman, a manager who worked with Shepherd at Sunderland.
Town have signed striker Jake Charles from Scarborough Athletic.
The 28-year-old - who is the grandson of Leeds United, Juventus and Wales legend John Charles - joins up following the expiration of his contract at Scarborough Athletic.
The 6ft striker has vast NPL experience, having turned out for Ashton United, Stafford Rangers and FC United of Manchester at this level.
Following Charles' signing, manager Nathan Haslam said: "I'm delighted to get Jake to put pen to paper.
"He's a player that I've enquired about every off-season I've been with the club, and it's great to finally get him through the door."
The Blues have also snapped up Frankie Whelan, who will join upon the expiration of his contract with Middlesbrough.
The versatile defender, who has been with his boyhood club since under-15 level, possesses great athletic and technical qualities.
Town are holding a second volunteer's day on Saturday (from 10:30am) to clean up the Towbar Express Stadium ahead of the new season.
Please email [email protected] for further information and to state that you'll be attending the event.
The Blues are also eager to attract more volunteers for next season.
Contact Colin Grout on 07805 315589 to find out how to get involved as a volunteer at Town in the 2024-25 campaign.