Gateshead goalkeeper James Montgomery aiming to do the business on and off the pitch

Gateshead players celebrate.Gateshead players celebrate.
Gateshead players celebrate.
James Montgomery is hoping to do the business on and off the pitch after returning to Gateshead.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper spent 18 months at the International Stadium after joining the Heed from AFC Telford United in January 2017.

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His form on the South bank of the Tyne captured the attention of Forest Green Rovers and he completed a move to Gloucestershire as they prepared for their second season as a Football League club.

His one-season stay with Rovers ended when he joined National League North club AFC Fylde, but he was released by mutual agreement in August.

After a short trial spell at Gateshead, he completed a return to the club in time to feature in Mike Williamson’s starting line-up for all four of their competitive fixtures so far this season.

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Montgomery revealed that he is loving life back at the club where his enhanced his reputation as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in non-league football.

“I just really like being here, I loved it the first time around, but I am definitely enjoying it more now I am back,” explained the Sunderland-born stopper.

“It’s just a great environment to be part of now – I am so genuinely happy to be here.

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“I was impressed with Mike and Busted from our first meeting and I was impressed with the general feel about the place and how they want to go about things.

“It’s no secret that I kept an eye on the club when I was away, I always wished them well and I always looked at what was going on here.

“I had such good times; I hold the club is such high regard and nothing has changed.

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“There are clubs talking about us being right up there, but my mindset is just on what the next game is.

“That’s how it has to be this season, more than ever.”

Despite being at the relatively young age of 26, Montgomery admitted that he has one eye on life after football.

During the Covid-19 enforced lockdown of the summer, the former Middlesbrough academy keeper formed his own company to provide gloves for grassroots goalkeepers of all ages.

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Montgomery revealed the thinking behind his move into the business world and explained his hopes for his newly-established company.

“During lockdown, I had a lot of time to think, so I just wanted to get my head down and be really productive.

“I set up my own goalkeeping glove business – Monté – and that has started alright.

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“We want to give grassroots football keepers a chance to wear high quality gloves that the Premier League and Football League lads wear.

“We have done our research on materials and we want to try and look after the grassroots keepers.

“I want to play as long as I can, I am only 26, I have started my coaching badges, but the business is with one eye on when I retire.

“It’s essential to look at what happens when your playing career comes to an end because you never know what is around the corner.”