Former Newcastle United striker becomes Gateshead's first signing of the summer

The 26-year-old was viewed as one of the most promising prospects during his time in the Magpies academy and became the youngest player to make a European appearance for the club when he replaced Papiss Cisse in a Europa League tie against Greek club Atromitos in 2012.

Campbell went on to make three first-team appearances for United before spending time on loan with he likes of Carlisle United, St Mirren, Fleetwood Town and Hartlepool United.

He also had a temporary stint with Gateshead and he will now return to the International Stadium on a permanent basis after he left Darlington earlier this week.

Campbell becomes Heed manager Mike Williamson’s first signing of the summer and the former Magpies youngster is pleased to be reunited with his former United team-mate.

“It’s a good feeling, it’s something me and the manager have spoke about for quite a while now,” he told the club website.

“It’s nice to finally have it sorted and obviously coming to a club like Gateshead and being back training full-time is massive.

“I am looking forward to it.

“It’s just the right fit for me, playing central and being part of a smaller squad that is looking to go far and do big things in the league.”

Campbell was not the only former Magpies forward on the move on Wednesday after Lewis McNall joined Gateshead’s National League North rivals Blyth Spartans.

The former academy star was released by United at the end of the 2017/18 season after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury.

He had trained with Gateshead over the last year and joined Ebac Northern League club Whickham for a short spell before the non-league season was brought to a premature end earlier this year.

“It’s been a really difficult few years for me – one setback after the other.

“You’ve got to remain strong, they talk about physically, but it’s all mental when you’re suffering from injuries like that.

“But I’ve remained focused, I’ve remained determined, I’ve worked so hard over these last two to three years to get myself back in a position that I can come and play at this standard.”

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