Heed make it a hat-trick of signings with Francis
GATESHEAD made it a trio of midfield signings in a matter of days after they brought former loan star Ed Francis back to the International Stadium.
Following on from the capture of another former loan man Callum Whelan and Maidstone United’s Regan Booty, Francis is the latest to sign a two-year contract.
Francis, who made 22 appearances for England over four age groups, played 14 games on loan at Gateshead last season - only three of which were defeats.
The 23-year-old has now returned to Tyneside on a permanent basis following his release from League Two newcomers Notts County.
Francis spent the last two years at Meadow Lane racking up 43 appearances for the Magpies, having previously played in the EFL with Harrogate Town.
The former Manchester City and Wolves youth star is now targeting a promotion push with FA Trophy runners-up Gateshead.
Francis said: “I’m buzzing to be back. Ever since I stepped through the door I felt at home here so I couldn’t be happier to come back on a permanent basis.
“The way the gaffer plays suits me really well and the quality of players at the club gives us a very good chance next season.”
Assistant manager Ian Watson is delighted to see the versatile Francis, who can also play at the back, return to the North East.
He said: “Francis is a great lad who brings a real professionalism and has a great understanding of the game.
“He is a very selfless individual, always wanting the team to do well and win games. “He fits into our structure very well. “As a club we worked our hardest to get Ed back to the International Stadium and the recruitment has gone up another level.” Captain Greg Olley, meanwhile, is looking forward to continuing to drive Gateshead forward after signing a contract extension.
The long-serving playmaker has committed to the Heed cause for the next two seasons and is looking to continue the good work in the first half of 2023.
Gateshead lost only six of their 28 league and cup games this year, finishing 14th in the National League and reaching Wembley in the FA Trophy.
Olley was again the leading architect with 19 assists and he was also second top goalscorer with eight goals.
He said: “We have done very well since the turn of the year and next season is going to be a really important one for the club.
“I am pleased to extend my stay and there is no better feeling than to oversee this group of lads.
“The first half of last season was very difficult what with all the injuries and losing our top scorers Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott.
“However, we showed what we are capable of by reaching mid-table in the league and the final of the FA Trophy.
“To lead Gateshead to the National League North title and then out at Wembley was extra special - hopefully there are more memories to come.”
Heed number two Watson paid tribute to a player who has become a real talisman on the south bank of the Tyne.
He said: “We couldn’t be happier to get Greg on a new contract.
“His technical ability and contribution to the game is outstanding.
“Off the pitch he is an unbelievable person. On it his work ethic is one of the best and nobody has a bad word to say about him.”
Gateshead’s squad is now taking shape with more incomings expected ahead of the return to pre-season training later this month.