Gateshead star completes move to League One strugglers Burton Albion as Chadwick returns
Gateshead have added several new faces to their squad over the last week - but their top goalscorer has now secured a move into the EFL.
Gateshead top goalscorer Kain Adom has completed a permanent move to League One strugglers Burton Albion as the versatile forward becomes the latest Heed star to earn a move into the EFL.
The former Welling United winger joined the Heed in January 2024 as manager Rob Elliot oversaw a hectic rebuild on his squad following the departure of a number of key players. Adom introduced himself to the International Stadium faithful in fine style as he grabbed the winning goal in a 2-1 win against Barnet before doubling his tally in a 4-2 victory at Altrincham two months later.
After struggling to find a regular starting place during the following season, Adom spent the second half of the campaign on loan at AFC Fylde and Sutton United before returning to Gateshead last summer. An impressive return of 12 goals in 25 appearances during the first half of the season included an opening goal in a shock FA Cup first round win at Burton Albion and a brace in a dramatic 4-3 win at Yeovil Town.
Adom’s performances have attracted interest from a number of Gateshead’s National League rivals and several clubs in League One and League Two in recent weeks - and it is Burton that have won the race for his services after they agreed an undisclosed fee with the Heed earlier this week.
A statement released on the Gateshead website on Friday confirmed the deal had been completed as Adom’s two-year stay on Tyneside came to a close.
It read: “Kain Adom has joined EFL League One side Burton Albion for an undisclosed fee. The forward departs Gateshead after spending the past two years on Tyneside and leaves as the club's top scorer across the 2025/26 season, scoring 12 goals in 28 appearances during the opening half of the campaign. All at Gateshead FC would like to thank Kain for his contributions during his time with the club, and wish him the best of luck at Burton.”
Heed boss Rob Elliot will hope he can use some of the funds from the Adom deal to continue adding to the squad he inherited when he returned to the club last week. The former Newcastle United goalkeeper has already completed the signings of defender Brad Nicholson, midfielder Keaton Ward and forward duo Mark Beck and Levi Amantchi over the last week as well as persuading Louis Storey to return to the club in a player-coach role.
Chadwick return confirmed
Another addition was completed just hours after Adom’s departure was confirmed as former loan signing Billy Chadwick returned to Gateshead from York City. The forward scored four goals during his temporary stint with the Heed and that included a memorable hat-trick against Dorking Wanderers.
After penning a deal until the end of the 2026/27 season, Chadwick said: "I'm absolutely buzzing to be here. As soon as I had the conversation with Rob and I saw that him and Louis had come back, I was desperate to get back enjoying my football. I feel like under Rob last time I was really enjoying myself, so it was a no brainer for me."
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