Gateshead swoop to sign League One striker on loan

The 21-year-old frontman came through the Cod Army’s academy and made his senior league debut for Joey Barton’s side as substitute in a 1-1 draw against Gillingham in March 2019.

A first senior goal had already arrived four months earlier when he rounded off a 4-1 win in an FA Cup first round tie at National League North club Alfreton Town.

Garner has already spent time out on loan at FC United of Manchester and Southport and will now join the Heed in a similar deal until the start of December.

The striker arrives on Tyneside looking to add to the three senior appearances he has made so far this season.

He told the Heed website: “I’m just looking forward to coming in and playing as many games as possible in the month, scoring as many goals as I can and helping the team win.

“I’ve had discussions with Mike (Williamson) and Ian (Watson) about where they want me to play, how they want the team to set up with me in the team and what positions they think I’d suit best in the system they want to play.”

The move comes as a further boost to the Heed frontline after they completed a deal to sign former Sunderland and Grimsby Town forward Jordan Cook.

Both players will hope to make their debuts in a National League North game at Farsley Celtic in just under a fortnight as the Gateshead squad are currently in self-isolation due to a positive Covid-19 test.