....signing of highly-rated young goalkeeper Matt Johnson from Hallmark Security League Division One side Eccleshall.

Johnson won the goalkeeper of the month award on two occasions last season and joins `Castle despite interest from a number of other clubs at this level and higher.

As part of the Newcastle`s ambition to develop players, Johnson has signed a contract, joining both Luke Dennis and Aaron Bott in committing their future to the club.

A tall, agile and brave goalkeeper with an excellent future ahead of him, Johnson had an excellent 2017/18 season with Eccleshall and signed duel forms with Newcastle halfway through the season.

Joint-manager David Dale told the club`s website: "We are delighted to have Matt as our first-choice keeper. 

"I have had the opportunity to have seen Matt both on match days and training and he will without doubt play at a higher level. Although not proven at this level it is obvious he will play higher. His reliability, desire, maturity and ability is already at a high level. l have no doubt Matt, who is already the best young keeper locally, will achieve his ambitions - our job is to help him to reach his expectations".