Schemer Jack Hunt-ed down by rivals Town

GATESHEAD midfielder Jack Hunter has swapped the International Stadium for The Shay after the 24-year-old joined National league rivals Halifax

Town.

Hunter is the third player to depart from last season’s National League North championshipwinning squad and the second midfield man to reject new terms.

Youngster Danny Greenfield elected to stay in the division with Spennymoortown, top scorer Macaulay Langstaff having earlier signed for Notts County.

Gateshead have brought in just the one new face so far this summer, defender Kenton Richardson arriving from Sunderland.

Hunter, meanwhile, had a trial at Halifax following Gateshead’s demotion from the National League in 2019 before linking up with Blyth Spartans.

The former Newcastle Under-23s’ captain then rejoined Gateshead after one year at Croft Park and played his part in last season’s title-winning campaign.

The midfield anchor, however, has decided on pastures new and will go up against his former side this season.

The Shaymen reached the National League play-offs last season but manager Pete Wild has since departed for League Two outfit Barrow.

Gateshead will step up their pursuit of Boston United’s Danny Elliott this week and have identified another striker they want to bring to the club.

Cedwyn Scott, who scored 26 goals last season, remains at the club but player-manager Mike Williamson admits some of his players are being monitored.

He said: “We have interest in some of our lads at the minute and we have potential targets we are speaking to now.”

Talks are ongoing regarding the signing of two defenders, one with Football League experience, and the loan market will be utilised.

Gateshead, meanwhile, received a financial boost at Saturday’s National League annual meeting and dinner in South Wales.

League sponsors Vanarama have decided to give the winners of the North and South divisions, Gateshead and Maidstone, £7,500 in prize money.

The 2022/23 National League fixtures will be published on Wednesday, July 6, the new season beginning on August 6.