Conteh earning fan approval at Heed
MIDDLESBROUGH midfielder Kamil Conteh appears to be catching the eye during his loan spell at Gateshead, with supporters tipping him to have a bright future and singing his praises.
Conteh, 20, joined Boro’s academy last summer after being released from Watford as part of the club’s drive to pick up young players from beyond just Teesside to improve their academy standards.
Head of academy recruitment Martin Carter has led a focus around the capital which has seen Boro pick up top talents like Djed Spence and Isaiah Jones in recent years.
Conteh was the latest last summer and, having played regularly for the under-21s, he was sent to Gateshead in the National League in October, with the loan terms extended in January as the midfielder was clearly benefiting from the experience in England’s fifth tier. He has two goals in 24 appearances so far.
Judging by the reaction of
Heed fans on social media, Conteh is certainly one to watch at Boro in years ahead after he returns, with the former Watford man impressing at Gateshead Stadium under the tutelage of former Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson.
Last week Heed fans were asked by league sponsor Vanarama what they’d made of the Boro man, while posting a graphic of some impressive statistics such as passing accuracy, successful defensive actions and defensive duels won. The response from Heed fans was positive, to say the least.
Many noted his quality, with one saying: “He’s been excellent. The kid has a bright future ahead of him,” while another noted: “Top notch! Plays with pride and passion! Boro have a player!”
One fan described him as the best player in the league and many noted how costly it would be for them that the Sierra Leone international would miss their next two games as they battle against relegation back to the National League North.
One supporter praised: “Always the coolest head on the pitch, wise way beyond his years. Many congratulations, come back fit, strong, healthy and happy,” with another saying: “Brilliant. Grown as the season has gone on and this call-up is deserved. Lovely lad too. Hope he goes all the way to the top.”
While that’s just a flavour of the praise the 20-year-old received from Heed fans, it’s fair to say it was fairly unanimous in terms of the positive reception towards the Boro youngster. And while his focus will be on the remainder of the season on Tyneside, the future beyond that could be bright indeed. Carrick is likely to take a look at many youngsters during this season’s pre-season campaign, having already shown his passion handed young players opportunities. Hayden Hackney has started every game under the Boro head coach, while Pharrell Willis and Sonny Finch have made league debuts in his five months in charge, with many more under-21s offered regular chances in first-team training.
Boro aren’t yet certain which division they will play in next season, and of course, even if it’s still the Championship, that’s a big jump from tier five to tier two if Conteh were to have his breakthrough. But it sounds like there’s pedigree there for certain and Boro fans shouldn’t need reminding that Hackney was playing for League Two strugglers Scunthorpe United last season, before returning better for the experience and excelling this season.
The fact Boro have Hackney and January signing Dan Barlaser in their ranks for next season, and could potentially get another 12 months out of veteran Jonny Howson too, means if Conteh were to make an impression in the summer he wouldn’t necessarily be needed as a regular player.
But nevertheless, with West Brom loanee Alex Mowatt leaving in the summer, Conteh could certainly be well-positioned to use his Gateshead experiences to break into Carrick’s plans.