Former Newcastle United trio to remain with Gateshead as seven depart

The National League North club announced their retained list on Tuesday afternoon and have revealed that seven players have departed followed the expiration of their contracts.

Goalkeeper Harrison Male, full-backs Kallum Griffiths and George Smith, midfielder Nicky Deverdics and forwards Jacob Blyth, Jordan Cook and Jordan Preston are on the list of players released.

The foundations of Mike Williamson’s squad for the new season are in place after several key players agreed to remain with the club.

Nicholson, Olley and Hunter head the list of retained players and they are joined by fellow former Magpie Dan Ward and defender Elliott Forbes.

Hunter and striker Paul Blackett have both agreed new one-year deals with the option of a second year “at the club’s discretion”.

Youngsters Danny Greenfield and Nelson Ogbewe – both players that spent time on trial at Sunderland recently – are also contracted for the new campaign.

Defender Kieran Aplin and goalkeeper Sam Guthrie have also been offered terms for the new season.

Heed player-manager Williamson got his summer transfer business underway last week with the addition of former Newcastle team-mate Adam Campbell.

The 26-year-old has set himself an immediate target as he prepares to help his new club in their bid to return to the top level of the non-league game.

He told the club website: “It’s always to score more goals than I have last season.

“Last season was cut short, I got six, the season before I got 16.

“So, the aim is to get over 20 goals this season.

“If I am playing down the middle, that is my preferred role, if I have to move out wide or drop a bit deeper, that’s fair enough to help the team.

“But from a personal point of view, it’s definitely to score as many goals as I can.

“I love assists as well, but it’s just to bring goals, to bring attacking flair, creating chances and hopefully make it an exciting season.”

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