Spennymoor Town are delighted to announce the signing of Josef Wheatley, Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s second summer acquisition.

The all-action midfielder joins from National League North neighbours Darlington.

Wheatley, 25, began his youth career at Middlesbrough, featuring for the Under 18, 21 and 23 sides.

He made the switch to The Quakers in August 2017 and scored on his full debut for Quakers in a 3-0 win over FC United of Manchester in September 2017, before becoming a regular from January onwards.

The 25-year-old was chosen for England C for an away game against the Republic of Ireland in May 2018

After signing for the club, Wheatley said: “I’m looking forward to a fresh start and a new challenge. I had been at Darlington for a while, so something new at this stage in my career was needed.

“I’ve obviously featured in games at Spennymoor for Darlington. They are feisty occasions where both sets of fans are up for it. It will be a different experience to be on the other side of it.

“I spoke to Jason Ainsley after the season finished, and that’s when I first became aware that Spennymoor were interested.

“The two managers sold the club to me and shared some exciting plans, and they have watched me play against their teams in the past, so they know what type of player I am.“

Joint Manager Anthony Johnson said: “Joe is someone we’ve been aware of over the last four or five years, and he is someone who has consistently stood out when we have came up against him.

“He has the ability to break up play but he also has the attributes of a deep lying playmaker, and there’s no doubt he will make us a better team both in and out of possession.

“We are delighted to have him on board at the club and look forward to working with him.”

Watch Joe in action next season by purchasing your 2022/23 Season Ticket!