Heed bolster ties with Cats and with Boro

GATESHEAD continue to build relationships with two of the region’s senior clubs.

The Tynesiders have had a number of successful loans from Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Goalkeepers Aynsley Pears and Brad James both had successful season-long loans on Tyneside.

Front man Luke Armstrong was a revelation on loan from Boro in 2018, scoring 11 goals in 20 games.

Pears is now at Blackburn Rovers, while Armstrong is rattling the goals in at Hartlepool on loan from Salford City.

Robbie Tinkler, now at York City, joined Gateshead after an impressive loan spell from Middlesbrough.

Mitch Curry’s loan spell was less productive but the link-up was further developed in 2019.

Gateshead have also taken in a number of loanees from the Black Cats, including Lynden Gooch and George Honeyman.

Wide man Luke Molyneux, now at Hartlepool, is another who did well in the National League at Gateshead.

Links with Sunderland have continued this year, with the Heed recently invited to take part in a practice game on Wearside.

Tynesiders vice-chairman Bernard McWilliams said: “We are building a strong relationship with Sunderland and our link-up with Middlesbrough has been a beneficial one.

“We have been able to bring in loans from both Middlesbrough and Sunderland in recent times.

“This has been beneficial for all parties and it is important for us to have links with big clubs in the region.”

It was only the Tynesiders’ second visit to the Stadium of Light, Nelson Ogbewe scoring one of their three goals.

It was enough for the 18-year-old striker to take up the offer of a trial with the Black Cats, which began on Thursday.

Ogbewe, who recently signed a two-year contract at Gateshead, has played only 10 minutes of senior football.

That came off the bench as a late substitute in the Heed’s FA Trophy defeat against Farsley Celtic in December.

The Gateshead Academy graduate will spend the next fortnight with the Wearsiders.

Meanwhile, Heed midfield man Danny Greenfield has returned to the club after a two-week trial at Sunderland.

The 20-year-old played in the 2-1 Premier League Two wins over Wolves and Crystal Palace.

The former Manchester United and Barnsley youth player is now waiting to see if Sunderland follow up their interest.

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