Gateshead sign former favourite Robbie Tinkler and Sunderland youngster Ryan Wombwell

The former Middlesbrough academy player was released by York City last month and has quickly secured a move back to the International Stadium.

Tinkler originally joined Gateshead in the summer of 2018 after his release from Boro and put in a string of consistent performances as the Heed put aside off-field issues to impress in the National League.

Their enforced demotion into the National League North brought an end to Tinkler’s time on Teesside – but he remained in the top level of non-league by penning a one-year deal at Aldershot Town.

He moved back North to be reunited with former Heed boss Steve Watson at York last summer but will now look to help Gateshead battle for a return to non-league’s top tier after signing a one-year deal at the club.

He told the club website: “It’s obviously been a turbulent couple of years, so I am over the moon to get it done nice and early so I can prepare for the season ahead.

“I know Mike and Busted (Assistant manager Ian Watson) and I know what they are going to do.

“I think the lads they have re-signed are really good and they’ve made a couple of signings that are all positive.

“It’s just a good place to be, I really enjoyed my time here last time and hopefully I can have a bit more success than last time as well."

Gateshead have also confirmed the signing of Sunderland youngster Ryan Wombwell on an initial two-year deal.

The 19-year-old appeared as a substitute in the Black Cats Under-23s’ Premier League 2 play-off final defeat at Crystal Palace last month – but is now looking forward to continuing his career at the International Stadium.

He said: “I’ve been in training for a few weeks now, so I’ve been around the lads and the manager, and I’ve really enjoyed it.

“The sessions have been to a good standard and a good tempo, and I can see myself improving every day here.

“There’s a lot of good players at the club as well, so I’m looking forward to getting in full-time and getting stuck into it.”

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