A big Heed blow as Scott joins County set with Langstaff
GATESHEAD will go into the new National League season without their 58-goal strike pair after Cedwyn Scott followed top scorer Macaulay Langstaff to Notts County.
It was a hammer blow softened to some extent when Lewis Knight moved in the opposite direction to become the Heed’s second new signing up front.
Former Leeds United academy player Knight joined Notts County for a small fee from Bradford Park Avenue in 2021 on a two-and-ahalf-year contract.
The 23-year-old’s time at Meadow Lane has been beset by injury problems and County have decided to cut their losses.
Tom Allan, 22, has already been brought in to the Heed squad following his release from Newcastle United,
Gateshead remain in talks with Boston United striker Danny Elliott but at least two other clubs are after the Pilgrims’ Player of the Year.
The departure of Scott after scoring 26 goals in his one season at the International Stadium is a bitter pill to swallow for the Heed Army.
Like Langstaff he has been sold for a five-figure fee and new Notts manager Luke Williams is delighted to reunite the free-scoring duo.
He said: “If they hit the ground running that’s fantastic, but it’s important we all recognise it’s a step up for both players.
“It is not a given they can immediately recreate what they achieved last season.
“What we do know, however, is both have huge quality and they will be given the support they need to help with their adaptation to a new club and division.”
Knight, meanwhile, spent the second half of last season back on loan at Bradford Park Avenue and played in the goalless draw at Gateshead in March.
Knight, who has also played in America, scored nine goals in 14 league games for Avenue before signing for Notts County and has joined Gateshead on a two-year contract for a nominal fee.
The Yorkshireman said: “I’m very excited.
“I watched Gateshead when I played for Bradford and heard a lot of good things about them.
“The way they play suits me really well and I’m excited to show what I can do and do well for the club.
“Gateshead play with a lot of attacking intent and I feel I can add to that and hopefully improve the team going forward.
“They want runners in behind, which is what I want to do, and it is a promising challenge.
“I always try and play on the blind side, exploit spaces where I can and try and score as many goals as I can.”
Newcastle United goalkeeper Dan Langley is being lined up to cross the Tyne to join Gateshead on what is likely to be a seasonlong loan.
Langley, 21, at 6ft 7ins is a towering presence between the posts and made his senior bow for Newcastle in last summer’s pre-season friendly at York City.
Heed player-manager Mike Williamson continues to work on other deals, including defensive reinforcements ahead of Monday’s return to training.