Gateshead stalwart JJ O’Donnell commits future to club

The 28-year-old moved to Tyneside on a permanent deal in the summer of 2014 after spending the previous four months on loan at the International Stadium.

It was during that temporary stint that the winger scored in the Heed’s Skrill Premier play-off semi-final leg win over Grimsby Town as the club reached Wembley for the first and only time in their history.

However, a play-off final defeat against Cambridge United ended thoughts of a return to the Football League.

O’Donnell remained with the club throughout his two-and-a-half-year battle with sesamoiditis and has established himself as a firm favourite with the Heed Army.

That status was further enhanced when he agreed to stay at the club last summer following their enforced relegation into the National League North.

O’Donnell confirmed on Sunday that he will remain a part of Mike Williamson’s squad as they look to secure a return to non-league’s top tier.

He said: “I am pleased to say that I will be returning to Gateshead for what will be my seventh season with the club.

“After a few offers across the summer, I am delighted to be coming back again next season, whenever that may be.”

Young midfielder Danny Greenfield and forward Ruairi Keating have also agreed to return to the International Stadium next season.

Greenfield made three appearances for the Heed last season and spent time on loan at Northern League club West Auckland Town and Northern Premier League side Ossett United.

Keating scored twice in six appearances for Gateshead after moving to the North East from Torquay United in January.

That means that seven players have committed to the club over the last week after goalkeeper Sam Guthrie, full-back Alex Nicholson, midfielder Greg Olley and forward Jordan Preston all agreed new deals.

The club’s efforts to prepare for the new season have been aided by a supporters’ budget booster initiative that is closing in on the £8,000 mark less than a week after it was launched.