Gateshead bring back former favourite and sign former Leeds United youngster

The Sunderland-born stopper made 46 appearances during his first spell at the club after former Heed boss Neil Aspin persuaded him to return to the North East from AFC Telford United in January 2017.

Montgomery went on to join Forest Green Rovers at the end of the following season before moving on to AFC Fylde last summer.

However, he became a free agent last month after his contract with the Coasters was terminated by mutual agreement, despite the deal having another season left to run.

Montgomery became the latest goalkeeper to go on trial with Gateshead during pre-season when he appeared in their 4-1 friendly defeat against Hartlepool United last weekend.

He has done enough to impress Heed player-manager Mike Williamson and has now put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the club to become the fourth former Gateshead player to return to the club this summer.

The 26-year-old will now compete with former Leeds United under-23s goalkeeper Harrison Male for a place in Williamson’s starting lineup.

Male has been capped by England at under-16 level and saw his 12-year stay at Elland Road ended when he was released during the summer.

The young stopper appeared during Gateshead’s pre-season fixtures against Carlisle United and Sunderland and has now penned a one-year deal.

Both goalkeepers will be available for Saturday’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie at National League North rivals Chorley.

Gateshead get their league campaign underway on Monday when they travel to Bradford (Park Avenue) as they look to secure promotion back to the National League.