KIERAN CHARLTON: It’s nice to feel wanted

New Reds signing Kieran Charlton says it’s nice to feel wanted after he put pen to paper on a move to Borough Park.

The 20-year-old joined the club this week following a spell with Blyth Spartans and will be part of Danny Grainger’s squad for the 2021-22 season.

Speaking on Tuesday, Charlton said: “I’m delighted to have it all done now.

“Now it’s all confirmed, I can concentrate on getting into the best possible shape for pre-season.”

Prior to his time at Croft Park, Charlton spent a season at South Shields after leaving Middlesbrough’s youth set up.

Having even featured in the under-18 Premier League, the youngster discussed his varied playing style.

“I’m fairly versatile; I’ve played everywhere across the back and had a few stints in midfield,” Charlton told us.

“I’m predominantly a full-back with plenty of energy, looking to defend first and foremost.

“Then I see if I can contribute going forward – clean sheets are obviously the priority.”

With it being the off season, manager Grainger is busy fine-tuning his squad ahead of the new term.

Charlton joins Iywrah Gooden as a new face in the camp, and our latest arrival revealed what made him keen to become a Red (and make the journey across the north).

“It was just nice to feel wanted – everyone wants to feel like they’re wanted.”

“I spoke to the gaffer and Ruddy [assistant manager Steven Rudd], and had some great conversations with them,” he explained.

“I also had a few training sessions with the lads and they seemed a great group,

“The journey across wasn’t too bad at all either to be honest!

“Obviously, the plan is to play good football which I’m very big on, trying to play out from the back.

“Everything the gaffer spoke about, I saw in training, so it was brilliant.”

With the new campaign just over three months away, Charlton is looking to make the next step in his blossoming career.

“It’s helped playing at a good senior level but I haven’t really been playing consistently, so hopefully this season I can really kick on.

“I want to cement my place in the starting XI and help us win the title – that’s the ultimate goal.”

Keep an eye on our social media channels for more squad news over the coming weeks.