One-time record signing at Reading, Greg Halford, has made a return to the North-East with a move to Blyth Spartans.

The 39-year-old moved to Berkshire in 2007 for move than £2.25m, a new record at the time, but failed to settle after just three appearances.

An EFL journeyman with prominent spells at Portsmouth, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United, the versatile 'utility player' links up with former teammate David Stockdale in Blyth.

Since 2022, Halford has been in the non-league structure with Billericay Town and Hashtag United.

On joining Blyth, Halford told the club website: “I’m really excited to be here and back up in the North-East, it has been a while.

“I’m looking forward to working under [David] Stockdale as well, who I’ve known for several years. I’m just really looking forward to it and meeting all of the lads.”

On the signing of Halford, Stockdale added: “He’s a good, experienced utility player, who has played everywhere over his career.

“He’s about bringing people in who know what the game is about and to help the young lads through and I’m ecstatic that he’s agreed to join us.”

Blyth were relegated from National League North last year and now play in Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Until last month, the team were under the management of Newcastle United legend Noberto Solano.