Thursday 7 May 2015 14:28, UK
Blackpool have made their first signing of the summer already by agreeing a deal with Blyth Spartans winger Jarrett Rivers.
The 21-year-old will officially join the Seasiders on July 1 ahead of their campaign in Sky Bet League 1 after starring in the non-league club's FA Cup run last term.
Rivers struck the last-minute winner from a free-kick to dump Hartlepool out of the FA Cup in December and then played an instrumental role in putting them 2-0 ahead against Birmingham in the next round, although Blues did rally to advance.
Rivers went on trial with Oldham in the new year but then manager Lee Johnson opted not to offer him a contract.
The winger has signed a 12-month deal at Bloomfield Road, with the option of a further year on top of that.
"I've had personal success in the past taking players from non league, having signed Lee Novak while at Huddersfield and Matt Green at Birmingham City," boss Lee Clark told the Seasiders' official website.
"Jarrett's got a good football upbringing from his days as a youngster at Middlesbrough and he's an exciting player who makes and scores goals.
"He's been one of the outstanding players in a successful season for Blyth Spartans, starring in their FA Cup run and play-off push.
"His efforts this season have seen him rewarded with a young player of the year award and a call-up to the England C team."
As part of the deal, Blackpool will also face Blyth in a pre-season friendly in mid-July.
Clark has previously said he is keen to avoid the mistakes of last summer when Jose Riga's squad was hastily assembled in the days leading up to the season, while the club only played two summer friendlies.
