Heed unveil twin signing of midfield pair after former United duo leave
GATESHEAD have wasted no time in replacing departed midfield pair Owen Bailey and Dan Ward.
The former Newcastle academy players turned down the offer of a new contract and are two of six players leaving Gateshead.
Fringe trio Harrison Clark, Lewis Leech and Kyle Errington were released along with former Stoke and Wrexham man Dan Jarvis.
There may be more exits from the International Stadium as goalkeeper James Montgomery, defender Carl Magnay and striker Will Harris remain in talks with the club.
The Tynesiders, however, have unveiled the twin signing of midfield pair Callum Whelan and Regan Booty.
Whelan impressed while playing 13 games at Gateshead in the second half of last season from Solihull Moors.
The former Oldham Athletic man has now been snapped up on a twoyear contract following his release from Solihull and is delighted to be back on Tyneside.
H said: “I’m over the moon to be back. It has taken a few weeks but I am so happy it is over the line.
“When last season came to an end, all I thought about was wanting to come back to Gateshead on a permanent basis.
“As a team we have got a great structure and an exciting playing style. We have lots of talent in the group and some really good individuals.
“The few months I had at Gateshead were arguably the most enjoyable I’ve had in football. I settled in really well and can’t speak highly enough of the boys.”
Assistant manager Ian Watson is delighted to bring the 24-year-old former Manchester United and Watford youngster back to the North East.
He said: “Callum was outstanding when he was with us on loan and was a real catalyst for our change in form.
“He’s a special player and has had lots of interest from other clubs so, we are glad he wants to work with us and help us develop.”
For midfield partner Booty it is a return north for the Yorkshireman after two years in Kent with Maidstone United.
The England C international came through the ranks at Huddersfield Town before having spells at Alder
shot Town and Notts County. Booty was one of the few Maidstone players to impress last season as the club tumbled out of the National League after finishing rock-bottom, 25 points adrift of safety.
The 25-year-old made played 80 games for the Stones scoring 18 goals and turned down the offer of a new contract at the Gallagher Stadium.
On the move to Gateshead, he said: “I am delighted, Gateshead have a very ambitious management team and are a club I can’t wait to be part of.”
Gateshead, meanwhile, have handed teenage striker Oli Thompson his first professional contract.
The academy product made a handful of appearances near the end of the season - including a brief cameo in the FA Trophy final against Oldham at Wembley.
Thompson said: “I am ecstatic to get my first professional contract and it was a dream come true for me to play at Wembley.
“It was unbelievable, one of the best experiences I’ll have, and I can’t wait for next season.
“It’s a massive difference between the under-19s and the first team.
“I’ll be working hard over the summer and hopefully when it comes to pre-season I’ll be bang at it.”