Notts County have signed 22 year old winger Cal Roberts from Blyth Spartans after the former Newcastle United youngster scored 17 goals in just 25 appearances already for the North East outfit this season.
Roberts actually scored against Notts County in last seasons Checkatrade Trophy whilst at Newcastle and after hitting fine form in the National League North joins the Magpies in their playoff pursuit of getting back in to the Football League.
An academy graduate at St James’ Park since the age of 8 he’s also spent time on loan at Gateshead & Kilmarnock before a loan move to Colchester ended with him returning to Newcastle before being released.
The South Shields born wide men however has shown character and maturity since leaving Newcastle, re-establishing himself in mens football and having a great season at Croft Park leading to interest from Notts Manager Neal Ardley.
On describing Roberts Ardley stated “He’s an exciting winger who loves to run at people, get crosses into the box and score goals – all of which he’s been doing in abundance for Blyth this season.”
“Cal arrives with great pedigree having come through the academy at Newcastle. He was in and around the first-team squad in the Premier League under Rafael Benitez, so it was a big shock and disappointment for him when he was released in the summer.”
“To come that close to making it for your boyhood club only to be let go is a huge test of your character and determination to succeed, but he’s responded in the right way by committing himself to Blyth, getting his head down and delivering strong performances in a tough, physical league.”
The former England under 20 International will hopefully add firepower and another dimension to Notts attack this season and he could very well be an exciting bit of business that the club have done well to capture before the wider scale vultures hovered to close.
Roberts is likely to go straight into the squad for Saturday’s National League game at Dagenham & Redbridge.
*Main image @NCFC Cal Roberts joins Notts County from Blyth Spartans.
