Heed blow as keeper moves on

GATESHEAD have been dealt a blow after talented goalkeeper James Montgomery was transferred to Chesterfield, writes JEFF BOWRON.

Former England C international Montgomery has joined the National League promotionchasers on an initial short-term deal.

The 26-year-old recently spent a short-term emergency loan at League Two strugglers Southend United.

While at Roots Hall he kept two clean sheets in his four games while conceding only three goals.

The Wearsider (below) was contracted at Gateshead, for whom he was in his second spell, until the end of May.

Montgomery moved into the EFL with Forest Green Rovers in 2018 after his first stint at Gateshead.

Chesterfield turned to Montgomery after a loan deal for Curzon Ashton goalkeeper Cameron Mason fell through.

Montgomery links up with a Spireites side fifth in the National League and top of the form table.

He said: “The club has had a good run of results so it is a good place to come to and you can tell it is a good dressing room.”

Montgomery played just half of Gateshead’s 16 games last season due to injury before the season was null and voided.

He added: “Getting the knee injury was frustrating but it was good to get back and keep a clean sheet against Guiseley before the season was pulled.

“I really enjoy playing for Gateshead. I love the club but it is important to me that I play at the highest level.”

Gateshead have also parted company with left-sided central defender Nathan Dale.

The former Middlesbrough player’s appearances were limited in his one season on Tyneside.