Young defender opens up on Sunderland exit after signing two-year deal with Gateshead
Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Cattermole has made his first signing as manager of National League club Gateshead.
Former Sunderland youngster Tommy Lavery has become Lee Cattermole’s first signing as Gateshead manager.
The 20-year-old full-back was one of several Academy of Light prospects that were released by the Black Cats at the end of last season - but he will now look to make a name for himself working under the former Sunderland captain after agreeing a two-year deal at the International Stadium.
Lavery spent the first half of last season on loan at Northern Irish club Cliftonville before earning further senior experience with the Heed’s National League rivals FC Halifax Town during the final four months of the campaign. The youngster had been a regular feature in Sunderland Under-18s and Under-21s sides in recent seasons and his progress was rewarded with a number of call-ups to the first-team squad. However, seven unused substitute appearances during Sunderland’s last two seasons in the Championship were the closest he came to making his senior bow.
Lavery has been handed a two-year deal at Gateshead and he revealed just how impressed he had been with Cattermole after he held talks with the former Black Cats midfielder over the last week.
“They were good talks to be fair,” he told the Heed website. “When I came in, he knew a lot about me. He seemed like he’d done his research and that’s such a great thing when you’re coming in and knowing someone knows about you. We sat and spoke and he said he likes me as a player and thinks I can fit in here. I’m buzzing with it. Being at Sunderland for 11 years, when you leave, people think it’s scary, but I was ready for my next steps, ready to play men’s football, full-time and get in there. It was good to get this sorted. I’m ready for the new season.
“That two-year deal shows the belief they have in me and shows what this club wants to do moving forward. I am looking forward to getting in an playing as many games as I can. That’s what I want to do. Play football, win games and push Gateshead up the table.”
Your next Sunderland read: 'So proud' - Sunderland star Wilson Isidor delivers emotional reaction to World Cup wonder-goal