Former Sunderland and Hartlepool United defender confirms Gateshead exit

Former Hartlepool United and Sunderland defender Kenton Richardson has confirmed his departure from Gateshead and insisted it was ‘the right time’ to bring an end to his four-year stay at the International Stadium.

The Durham-born defender came through the Pools academy system and made 50 senior appearances before joining Sunderland during the summer of 2020. After becoming a regular in the Black Cats Under-23s setup, Richardson went on to make three first-team appearances during his time on Wearside as he featured in Papa John’s Trophy ties against Lincoln City, Bradford City and Manchester United Under-21s. Richardson earned further senior experience during loan spells with Notts County and Spennymoor Town - but he moved on permanently when he penned an initial one-year deal at Gateshead just weeks after they had been crowned National League North champions.

The England C international went on to help Gateshead reach successive FA Trophy finals and was part of the side that won the competition for the first time in the club’s history with a penalty shootout win against FC Halifax Town in 2024. Richardson also helped the Tynesiders reach the proper rounds of the FA Cup in three of the four seasons he spent at the International Stadium as they met the likes of AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage and Walsall during that time.

After producing a miracle escape from relegation during the second half of last season, the Heed focused their attention on tying down a number of key players - but they were unable to agree a new deal with Richardson as his current contract approached its conclusion. They confirmed his departure in a short statement released on Tuesday night and revealed the defender had opted to take up an offer from elsewhere.

It read: “We can confirm that Kenton Richardson will depart the club following the expiration of his contract. Though new terms were offered ahead of the 2026/27 season, Kenton has opted to take on a new opportunity elsewhere, bringing his four years at Gateshead to an end.”

‘A special place’

The Echo understands new Heed boss and former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole had held positive talks with Richardson following his appointment two weeks ago - but Gateshead captain has revealed he felt he now has ‘the perfect opportunity’ to move on amid interest from EFL and National League clubs. It was one of the latter that won the race for his services after Richardson accepted an offer to link up with former manager Rob Elliot at Carlisle United.

In a statement released via Gateshead’s social media outlets, Richardson said: “In the grand scheme of things four years doesn’t seem like a long time - but for me, the past four years have been everything. Gateshead have given me the proudest moments in my career to date. Two Wembley finals, winning the FA Trophy, captaining the football club and what could have been if we were allowed to compete in the play-offs in 2024.

“The people at the club are what truly makes it a special place. From the players and staff that I formed unbelievable friendships with, to the supporters and volunteers who stuck with us during the rollercoaster ride. I will always be grateful for Gateshead and how the club allowed me to truly enjoy my football. For me, it felt like the right time and the perfect opportunity for myself to move on - wishing you all the very best.”

Confident

Gateshead are still working on a deal for influential winger Harry Chapman amid reported interest from Hartlepool and have already handed new contracts to former Luton Town midfielder Tyrelle Newton and young trio Preston Leech, Lucas Lowery and Ben Williams. However, FA Trophy-winning defender Joe Grayson, son of former Sunderland and Hartlepool manager Simon, and former Middlesbrough midfielder Jacob Butterfield have both departed, with the latter accepting an offer to become player-coach at Scunthorpe United. Key defender Brad Nicholson has also completed a move away from Gateshead after they accepted an offer from Carlisle just weeks after rejecting an initial offer from the Cumbrians. The former Boston United man has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal and will reunite with former Gateshead management team Elliot and Louis Storey at Brunton Park.

As it stands, former Sunderland youngster Tommy Lavery will be the only new addition to the Gateshead squad that will return to pre-season training on Wednesday and begin preparations for their first pre-season fixture at Northern League club Blyth Town next Tuesday night. However, the Heed are working to add to their squad and remain confident they will boost Cattermole’s ranks over the coming weeks as the former Sunderland captain prepares for his first season as a first-team manager.