Dan Ward has left Oldham Athletic and returned to his native north east, signing for National League North side South Shields.

The midfielder joined Latics last summer from Gateshead on a two-year deal.

But he suffered an injury midway through the first half on his debut at Southend United last season and struggled to establish himself in the team once fit.

Ward made only seven appearances for Latics, including five starts.

His last appearance for the club was as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw at home to Rochdale.

Ward, who was born in South Shields, came through the youth ranks at Newcastle United and spent four years at St James' Park.

He joined Middlesbrough before moving on to Spennymoor Town, then Irish Premier Division side St Patrick’s Athletic.

Ward joined Gateshead in October 2020, and helped the Heed to promotion to the National League two years ago and played his last game for the club in the FA Trophy final at Wembley, before completing his move to Boundary Park.

A statement from Oldham Athletic read: "The club would like to wish Dan all the best in his future career."