Ex-Newcastle United youngster Kieran Aplin wants to prove himself at non-league Gateshead

The 21-year-old joined the Heed last summer and made his competitive debut in an FA Trophy defeat against Farsley Celtic before the season was curtailed in February.

Aplin was one of a number of players to be offered new terms by player-manager Mike Williamson and he will now form part of the Gateshead squad for the new National League North season.

After putting pen-to-paper on a new deal, Aplin expressed his determination to become a regular feature of Williamson’s squad and prove that he can handle life in non-league’s second tier.

“It’s good because it was quite uncertain last season,” he told the club website.

“I had a few injuries, couldn’t quite get out on loan because of the Covid situation, but it’s good to get another year in and try and prove myself again.

“It’s mainly trying to get games; I really want to play and try and prove that I can play here.

“Last season, I didn’t quite get the opportunities that I could have got with the setbacks – but this season, I am looking to push on and get in the squad.

“I want to play as many games as I can for the club – I want to at least play a lot more than I did last season.

“That will be my main goal for next season.”

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