Newcastle United have announced the signing of 19-year-old stopper Jude Smith from East Fife.
The former Celtic goalkeeper has signed a two-year contract on Tyneside and will join our U21 side after impressing during a recent trial.
The teenager made 28 appearances in the Scottish League Two last season after making his senior debut at the age of 18 and admits it was a “no-brainer” to make the move to Newcastle.
Smith becomes the club’s fourth signing of the summer at U21 level following the arrivals of Galway defender Alex Murphy, Spurs full-back Jordan Hackett and Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur.
Here’s what the man himself told NUFC.co.uk after putting pen to paper at St James’ Park:
“I’m buzzing to be signing for Newcastle United.
“After playing in the lower leagues of Scotland, I couldn’t be happier with the opportunity to go and play for a club like Newcastle.
“I was playing part-time at East Fife last season so it’s a great opportunity to be full-time with Newcastle. It’s an unbelievable chance for me to go and develop my career further so it was a no-brainer for me to join.
“Playing for East Fife’s first-team was good experience, especially at a young age, and playing mens’ football did me the world of good. I just want to be playing week in week out, especially as a goalkeeper.
“It’s the next chapter in my life which I’m looking forward to and really hope to kick on.”
