The central midfielder becomes Mike Williamson’s third new addition to the squad after the arrivals of Connor Oliver and Alex Nicholson.

Twenty-four-year-old Agnew began his career with home-town club Sunderland, appearing for the first team once in February 2015 against Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup.

After his release from the Black Cats in 2016, he joined Boston United on a permanent basis but moved to then-National League North side Harrogate in January 2017.

The midfielder helped Town earn promotion to the National League in 2017/18 and made 16 appearances for his parent club last season as they reached play-offs. He also spent brief spells on loan with both Boston and York City midway through the season.

Former Blyth Spartans midfielder Connor Oliver agreed a one-year deal on Tyneside.

The 25-year-old began his career in the youth set-up at Sunderland and spent brief spells in the Football League with Hartlepool United, Blackpool and Morecambe.

His first taste of regular football came with then-National League side North Ferriby United during the 2016/17 season, making 35 appearances and netting one goal before a move to FC Halifax Town the following season.

He made 41 appearances for the Spartans last season as they reached the National League North play-off semi-final.

Another former Blyth Spartans defender, Alex Nicholson, was Williamson’s first new summer signing.

The full-back, capped four times by Wales at under-19 level, signed a one-year deal at the International Stadium and arrives with National League North experience under his belt, having spent last season plying his trade at Croft Park.

The 25-year-old began his career in the youth set-up at Newcastle United, before spells at Preston North End and Chorley preceded his initial spell at Blyth from 2014 to 2016.

Nicholson made over 100 appearances for the club before joining South Shields in December 2016, where he went on to lift the FA Vase at Wembley Stadium in 2017.

He re-joined Spartans in the summer of 2018.