Connell put pen-to-paper to join Kevin Bolam's squad and add competition to current number one Mark Foden.

The 34-year-old has spent time on loan at Vanarama National League North side Darlington this season and also spent time on loan with Hebburn`s rivals Whickham.

Connell was regarded as one of the Northern League's top goalkeepers for a number of years, having made his name with Dunston UTS.

He ended a seven-year stay with Dunston to sign for South Shields in the summer of 2016 and made in excess of 150 appearances.

He arrived at Mariners Park with already two appearances under his belt for Shields, having had a short spell at the club as a teenager in 2005.

His other former clubs include Gateshead, Ryton, Chester-le-Street, Durham City and Tow Law Town, but it is at Dunston where he is most fondly thought of, having kept well over 100 clean sheets and was also a key part of the team which won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2012.