Ex-Newcastle United youngster making big impression after summer exit

Former Newcastle United youngster Lucas De Bolle has been described as ‘a top player’ after impressing during his first two appearances for National League North club South Shields.

The Scotland Under-21 international made his way through the Magpies academy ranks and made a number of friendly appearances after stepping into the senior setup at St James Park.

However, a competitive first-team debut remained tantalisingly out of reach for the youngster as he remained on the bench for Premier League games against Aston Villa, West Ham, Southampton and Chelsea, as well as a Champions League group stage fixture at Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.

De Bolle made his final two appearances for the Magpies in the post-season friendlies against Tottenham Hotspur and an Australian A-League All-Stars side in May - but was officially released alongside the likes of Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie and Michael Ndiweni just a month later.

After initially discussing a move to reunite with former Magpies academy coach Elliott Dickman South Shields during the summer, the 22-year-old has now joined the Mariners and made his debut in a 3-0 win at Warrington Town last weekend. A home debut followed on Saturday as goals from top scorer Paul Blackett and former United academy forward Kyle Crossley helped South Shields to an impressive 2-1 win against Kings Lynn Town.

De Bolle caught the eye of the Mariners supporters with a cool and composed display and registered an assist when his neat cross was volleyed home by Blackett. Dickman believes the addition of the Magpies academy product ‘adds a different dimension’ to his squad and praised the impact De Bolle has made since he joined the club.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s trip to Kidderminster Harriers, Dickman told Chronicle Live: “He’s a top player and I think we said last week he was elegant and he carries the ball really well. His decision making is really good and we are really fortunate to have him. He adds a different dimension to the group, he’s really unassuming but he always has been and he deserves all of the plaudits he gets.

“I am a big believer in that it’s about the group and I will always look to the group but there were moments from Lucas, as there were from Paul (Blackett), Mackenzie (Heaney), Jenks (Will Jenkins) and others that really stood out. It was a really good team performance.”

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