Ahead of the 2024–2025 season, Gateshead has announced the signing of goalkeeper Tiernan Brooks and the dual retention of defenders Joe Grayson and Kenton Richardson.

Despite the loss of Ed Francis to Exeter City and Marcus Dinanga to League Two newcomers Bromley yesterday (4 July), the trio will still be a valuable asset to Rob Elliott’s team.

But, Gateshead fans will be encouraged to learn that the team will have two key defenders and a new custodian in the lineup for the upcoming campaign.

First up is recent addition Tiernan Brooks, who joined Cork City on loan for the 2023–24 season and played in four games before rejoining the Magpies in January.

After rejoining fellow National League team Rochdale, Brooks played for the rest of the season there under Jimmy McNulty, making 12 games. He has now signed a permanent contract with Gateshead.

Richardson and Grayson, meanwhile, were instrumental in helping Gateshead win the FA Trophy at Wembley Stadium in May and earn a play-off spot.

Richardson participated in 39 National League games and scored two goals, while Grayson made 28 league appearances for Gateshead.

Both players have now penned new contracts with the football club, ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Can Gateshead go one better next season?

Due to an off-field incident, Gateshead qualified for the play-offs last season but was unable to participate. Nevertheless, they won the FA Trophy after defeating Solihull Moors on penalties.

Gateshead has lost a number of important players since the end of the season, including Ed Francis, Marcus Dinanga, and loanee Dajaune Brown. However, with the arrival of four new players, the football team has started to turn things around.

Now that Chesterfield and Bromley are in the EFL, Gateshead may try to grab the chance to try to advance into the league. Keeping hold of two key players and acquiring a new custodian would strengthen the team and help them achieve their promotion goals.

The 24-year-old had played a crucial role for Gateshead last season, helping the club to secure a play-off place as well as being apart of their FA Trophy journey, which led to the club winning via penalties at Wembley Stadium last month.

A sum has apparently been agreed upon by League One team Exeter City to recruit Ed Francis, a midfielder from Gateshead, before the 2024–2025 season.

Last season, the 24-year-old was a key member of Gateshead’s team that helped them qualify for the play-offs and win the FA Trophy, which they did last month at Wembley Stadium thanks to penalties.

But as he approaches a transfer to League One team Exeter City, currently coached by Gary Caldwell, his time at the National League team appears to be coming to an end.

Since joining the National League team from Notts County last summer and their subsequent promotion to the EFL, the midfield player has been a mainstay.

Francis played in 40 league games for Gateshead the previous season, but an injury kept him from making an appearance at Wembley Stadium.

Considering his detailed stats, Francis averaged 9.2 ball recoveries, 4.2 interceptions, and an 89% throwing success rate per ninety minutes during the National League season.

Is Francis a suitable fit for Exeter?
Francis played for a very successful Gateshead football team, led by Rob Elliott, who averaged the greatest ball possession percentage in the division (62%), along with 500 accurate passes each game.

Gary Caldwell will be very pleased with his ball-handling skills as he attempts to assemble an Exeter City team that can play effectively in League One next year.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke claims that the two teams have now agreed on an undisclosed amount for the midfield player. A physical examination and personal conditions agreement will probably come before the transfer to the football club is officially confirmed.

DerbyshireLive provides up-to-date Derby County news. A Rams striker says goodbye to Gateshead, his loan club, before returning to Pride Park.

After a great loan stint, Dajaune Brown, the academy product of Derby County, bid Gateshead farewell in style.

The forward ended his four-month stint at Rob Elliot’s side by inspiring them to an FA Trophy victory over Solihull Moors at Wembley.

Brown made Heed history by scoring, dishing up an assist, and winning the penalty kick in the penalty shootout that followed extra time.

The adolescent will now return to Pride Park this summer, where he hopes to make an impression during preseason. It is still possible that he will go on loan to a team higher up the league ladder.

Brown stated: “I want to express my gratitude to all those who helped make this opportunity possible. Thank you to Rob, the coaching staff, and my teammates for being such great mentors who have helped me develop as a player.

“And to the supporters, thank you so much for your wonderful support at home and abroad. Even though I’m starting a new chapter in my football career, the experiences and lessons I’ve gained here will last a lifetime. Best wishes for the future.