By Mark Carruthers
Former Newcastle United academy defender Jude Swailes has put pen-to-paper on a contract with Northern Premier League club Dunston UTS.
The 20-year-old defender was part of the Magpies academy setup for over a decade and featured alongside the likes of Elliot Anderson and Jamie Sterry when he progressed into the Premier League club's Under-23s side.
Despite being offered a two-year professional deal at St James Park, Swailes opted for a move to Charleston College in the USA before returning to the North East to join a Dunston side managed by his Dad Chris on a non-contract basis.
After making his debut in a 3-2 defeat at Lincoln United last month, Swailes junior has gone on to make a further three starts as Dunston continue to challenge for a place in the East Division play-offs.
Assistant manager Jon McDonald praised the youngster for the positive contribution he has made and revealed his delight over the news of his new deal.
He told The NLP: “Jude can be the future of the club because he has come in and really made an impact.
“He's only 20 years old, but he has been exceptional for us in terms of ability and attitude.
“He is quick, aggressive and he comes with good pedigree given where he was at Newcastle before his move to the States.
“He has integrated into our group seamlessly and I think we are lucky to have him at the club.
“We are absolutely delighted he has agreed to sign a contract.”
Swailes will be in the Dunston squad that will face East Division leaders Liversedge at the UTS Stadium this weekend.
