Gateshead to swoop for Horsfall

GATESHEAD are set to bring in defender Fraser Horsfall on a halfseason loan from Premier League newcomers Huddersfield Town.

The 20-year-old 6ft 3in centre-back gained National League North experience while at Salford City last season and played in both play-off semi-finals.

Gateshead had been linked with former Cheltenham Town and York City defender Keith Lowe – but the 31-year-old has signed for Macclesfield.

The Heed have already brought in central defender Neill Byrne from the Silkmen in what will be a muchchanged defence.

Experienced centre-backs Liam Hogan and Manny Smith have both moved on, although Tynesiders boss Neil Aspin was keen to keep both at the International Stadium.

Left-back George Smith, now at Northampton Town, has been replaced by Scott Barrow, but a fourth defender could now leave the club. James Bolton has been the subject of two five-figure bids from League One outfit Shrewsbury Town.

There will be more players coming in before the season starts, with the Gateshead squad starting pre-season training today.

A long-term loan for a midfield player at a Championship club is in the pipeline and a couple more permanent signings are expected.

Aspin and assistant Lee Nogan will also run the rule over some trialists, with the first warm-up game at Dunston UTS on Thursday.

Despite the loss of some key players, Gateshead chairman and jointowner Richard Bennett believes the club can be serious promotion contenders.

“We want good cup runs in the FA Cup and FA Trophy and a top-seven finish, so we’re asking for quite a bit, but it’s not beyond us,” said Bennett.