Josh Doherty has had more reasons than one to celebrate in recent weeks having become a father for the first time before then penning a permanent deal at The Brewery Field.
The full-back was a free agent following the expiry of his contract at South Shields at the end of June and Moors boss Jamie Chandler moved swiftly to offer the 27-year-old a chance to stay in the region.
Now Doherty has requested to wear squad number 27 for his maiden campaign in Moors colours in a nod to the date in June on which his son, Reeve, was born.
“I am so excited about this move, and I can’t wait to get started,” the Northern Ireland born defender told us.
“I have had to prioritise my family in recent weeks over football – that is probably the first time in my life I have done that, but my girlfriend was happy!
“Now I can’t wait to get going now my head is back in football and I am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve this season.
“I have spoken to the Manager and the Head of Recruitment at the Club and all the conversations I have had have been really pleasing so I was interested in signing straight away.
“My partner has just had a baby, so I have had a few things to take care of on that front, but I was always going to sign, and I am really pleased to get it sorted out.
“Up here in the North East one thing I quickly found out is that everyone seems to just love their football.
“Before playing for South Shields, I had now ever been up here for the fans are all football mad, so I am really excited to play in front of the Spennymoor crowd this season.”
Doherty became the eighth signing of a productive summer for Chandler as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of the new National League North campaign.
A former Crawley Town and Leyton Orient player, Doherty has played plenty of football at a higher level and is determined to use that knowhow to help Moors enjoy success in 2023/24.
“The squad that has been built here is one we all think can challenge for promotion to the National League and that’s something I want to be part of because I want to win things in football.
“I have already talked to the staff about the style of play which will suit me well, the fans and the community around the Club and everything just sounds really good.
“I have played over 100 games in League Two so hopefully I can use that experience when I am playing, give my all and help the team to achieve the goals we’ve set.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining this Club and, after missing out so narrowly on a play-off place last year, we want to try and put that right in the new season.”
