Devitt signing gives Watson more options

GATESHEAD boss Steve Watson believes new signing Tom Devitt will give him more options in the back line.

Tynesider Devitt, 22, has spent the last four years playing in America and provides further competition at centre-half.

With talks with former Newcastle defender Mike Williamson ongoing, Devitt’s signing takes the squad up to 18.

Devitt, however, may not be in the party which travels to Maidenhead for the Heed’s Vanarama National League opener on Saturday.

That is subject to international clearance being received.

Watson said: “We have a young squad and like many others Devitt is a player with potential who will only become better as the season progresses.

“The young players bring enthusiasm and hunger to the table and Devitt also has aggression and reads the game well.

“We will have to see if he is eligible to play on Saturday.

“Hopefully the clearance will come through sooner rather than later.

“Mike Williamson had not played for months when he turned out at Blyth at the weekend and will take time to build up his fitness.”

Williamson was one of three players who played all 90 minutes in a under-23 friendly against Middesbrough on Tuesday.

Trialist Lewis Walton scored for the Heed, who were also denied by the woodwork on three occasions in a 1-1 draw.

The rest, including Devitt, played 45 minutes, with Devitt delighted to have earned a contract at Gateshead.

He said: “I am looking to do well but the most important thing is the team.

“We are determined to prove a lot of people wrong.”