Gateshead confirm double deal as Altrincham midfielder and Walsall striker secured
There were two new additions to Rob Elliot’s Gateshead squad on Thursday.
Rob Elliot has continued to strengthen his Gateshead squad after adding two new signings to his ranks on Thursday.
The former Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper wasted little time in securing the free transfer addition of defender Brad Nicholson and the loan signing of Scunthorpe United striker Mark Beck last week after his return as Heed boss was confirmed last Friday. However, Elliot has always stressed the need for further new faces and his hard work has paid off after midfielder Keaton Ward penned an 18-month deal at the International Stadium on Thursday.
Ward will bring vast National League experience from his time with Boston United and Altrincham and also has a handful of EFL appearances under his belt after spending time with Mansfield Town earlier in his career. The 25-year-old has admitted the struggling Heed are facing a tough test to preserve their National League status but is adamant they can rise to the challenge over the coming months.
He told the club website: "I'm really excited. I think that the way the club is looking forward, and after speaking to Rob, it's a really good opportunity and I'm looking forward to it."The main aim is to keep the football club in the league, and I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think we were going to do it. It's going to be a challenge, but we will do it.”
Pressure
After completing the loan signing of Beck last week, Elliot has added another option to his forward line after landing Walsall frontman Levi Amantchi on a permanent deal. The 25-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at National League promotion contenders Rochdale and has experience of the North East non-league scene after spending time with Darlington and Blyth Spartans.
It was during his time with the latter than Amantchi produced a memorable moment as he netted a last-gasp equaliser for Blyth Spartans in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Gateshead in January 2020. Since then, Amantchi has spent time with the likes of Brackley Town, Maidstone United and Bromley, helping the latter secure a first ever promotion into the EFL in May 2024 before landing a move to Walsall last January.
The striker has revealed how talks with Heed boss Elliot inspired his return to his native North East as he joins Gateshead’s bid to avoid relegation into the National League North.
He said: "I spoke to Rob about his ambitions and how he wants to help the club, and that was suited to me. It's good being back home mentally for me - hopefully I'll get my northern accent back! It's going to be tough, I think all the boys know that here, but I think everyone is willing to take the pressure on.”
Gateshead are continuing with their efforts to add further new additions to their squad ahead of Tuesday night's trip to Southend United and a defender is believed to be on the agenda.
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