Gateshead swoop to sign ex-Newcastle United and Middlesbrough youth

The midfielder was released by Boro last summer and joined Spennymoor Town for the first half of last season before making a return to full-time football with Irish Premier Division club St Patricks Athletic.

Ward made seven appearances St Pats before the season was curtailed by the Covid-19 epidemic – but has now agreed to join Mike Williamson’s squad ahead of the new National League North season.

The 22-year-old travelled to the North West for Gateshead’s FA Cup second qualifying round tie at Chorley on Saturday could make his league debut in the National League North season opener at Bradford Park Avenue on Monday night.

Ward revealed the reasons behind his decision to move to the International Stadium after taking advice from several current and former Gateshead players.

“I’m really happy, it’s a really good place to come and play your football,” explained Ward.

“You look at the group of lads they have assembled and speaking to a few lads that have played here before and a few of the lads in the squad, they couldn’t speak of the management.

“I spoke to them quite a lot, they just said to come in and they think what I can do can really compliment what is already in the squad.

“To come home, to stay full-time was a massive pull for me.”

Gateshead have also added former Leeds United midfielder Romario Vieira to their squad.

The 22-year-old trained with the Heed ahead of last season and was set to appear in their first pre-season fixture against Middlesbrough - but a cruciate ligament injury suffered just days before that game ended his chances of earning a deal to join the club.

The once-capped Guinea-Bissau international returned to fitness earlier this summer and was given another opportunity to impress Williamson and his coaching staff over pre-season.

Vieira appeared in several pre-season fixtures and has now agreed to join the club on a non-contract basis ahead of the new season.

Vieira is the brother of Sampdoria midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, who joined I Blucerchiati’s Serie A rivals Hellas Verona on a season-long loan earlier this week.